varnish
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for varnish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A clear liquid that dries to form a hard, glossy protective coating on wood or other surfaces.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
How to use varnish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French vernis, tracing back through Medieval Latin to the Greek name for a town in North Africa (Berenice) once linked to resin production.
Full origin of varnish →Frequently asked questions
What does “varnish” mean?
The word “varnish” means a clear liquid that dries to form a hard, glossy protective coating on wood or other surfaces. In plain terms, varnish is a protective glossy coating for wood — and figuratively, a superficial polish that hides something less impressive underneath.
How do you pronounce “varnish”?
“Varnish” is pronounced VAH-nihsh (/ˈvɑː(ɹ)nɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “varnish” in a sentence?
Here is “varnish” used in a sentence: “He applied three coats of varnish to the old table before letting it dry.”
What part of speech is “varnish”?
Depending on how it is used, “varnish” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “varnish” come from?
The word “varnish” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French vernis, tracing back through Medieval Latin to the Greek name for a town in North Africa (Berenice) once linked to resin production.
How many meanings does “varnish” have?
“Varnish” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a clear liquid that dries to form a hard, glossy protective coating on wood or other surfaces.