[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/varnish/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [V](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/v/) / varnish

# varnish

noun (varnish, a varnish, varnishes); verb (varnish, varnishes, varnished, varnishing)

«varnish» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Varnish is a clear liquid painted onto wood or other surfaces that dries to make a hard, shiny, protective layer. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#m1)
2. To varnish something is to paint it with varnish. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#m2)
3. Nail varnish (UK, Australia; US: nail polish) is coloured paint for fingernails and toenails. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#m3)
4. Varnish can also mean the polished outward show of good manners or looks that makes a person seem fine. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#m4)

### In the lessons

In design and technology and art lessons, pupils varnish wooden projects or clay models to protect them and make them shiny. In science, varnish is a waterproof coating that stops wood rotting. Safety: varnish has strong fumes; use it with an adult, in a room with open windows, and wash brushes properly. Phrases: «clear varnish», «nail varnish», «a coat of varnish».

### Examples

- Dad put a coat of varnish on the table. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#x1)
- We varnished our wooden boxes in DT. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#x2)
- Let the varnish dry before touching it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#x3)
- My sister painted her nails with red nail varnish. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#x4)
- Varnish protects the wood from water. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#x5)
- Open a window when you use varnish. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#x6)
- The old varnish was cracked and peeling. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/#x7)

### Note

Uncountable as a liquid («some varnish»); verb past: varnished. Not the same as paint: varnish is usually clear. Do not confuse with «vanish» (disappear) — one letter r.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «varnish» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/V/varnish/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«varnish» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/varnish.html) on Mova free.