--- title: P — The English dictionary with trees and pragmatics · page 41 description: The 1498 words of the English dictionary under P, every meaning for a pupil and every example with its dependency tree and pragmatics. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/41/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [dictionaries](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/) / [English dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/) / P # P — The English dictionary · page 41 [A](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/A/) · [B](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/B/) · [C](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/) · [D](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/D/) · [E](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/E/) · [F](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/F/) · [G](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/G/) · [H](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/H/) · [I](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/I/) · [J](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/J/) · [K](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/K/) · [L](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/L/) · [M](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/M/) · [N](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/N/) · [O](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/O/) · [P](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/) · [Q](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Q/) · [R](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/R/) · [S](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/) · [T](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/T/) · [U](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/U/) · [V](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/V/) · [W](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/W/) · [X](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/X/) · [Y](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Y/) · [Z](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Z/) [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/) … [40](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/40/) **41** [42](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/42/) … [77](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/77/) **pointer** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A stick, arrow or needle used to point at something, such as on a dial, scale or clock.[↗](../../pointer/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (informal) A useful tip or piece of advice.[↗](../../pointer/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* The arrow on a computer screen that you move with the mouse.[↗](../../pointer/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* A type of hunting dog.[↗](../../pointer/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 5:* (computers) A value that tells where something is stored.[↗](../../pointer/#m5 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Read the scale where the pointer stops.[↗](../../pointer/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The pointer on the scales showed 3 kilograms.[↗](../../pointer/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Move the pointer to the icon and click.[↗](../../pointer/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Can you give me a few pointers on my drawing?[↗](../../pointer/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The teacher used a pointer to show the map.[↗](../../pointer/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Never shine a laser pointer in anyone's eyes.[↗](../../pointer/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · A pointer dog stands still and points at birds.[↗](../../pointer/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **pointless** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Pointless means having no purpose or use.[↗](../../pointless/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* In a game or test, pointless can mean scoring no points.[↗](../../pointless/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* It's pointless arguing with my brother; he never listens.[↗](../../pointless/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Shouting at the rain is pointless.[↗](../../pointless/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The meeting felt long and pointless.[↗](../../pointless/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Our team was pointless after the first round.[↗](../../pointless/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · It's pointless to water the garden when it's raining.[↗](../../pointless/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Without a plan, the trip seemed pointless.[↗](../../pointless/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **poison** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A substance that can make you very ill or kill you if you swallow, breathe in or touch it.[↗](../../poison/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Verb: to harm or kill someone with poison, or to put poison in something.[↗](../../poison/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* Something that spoils or harms: «Gossip is poison to a friendship».[↗](../../poison/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Bleach is a poison if you drink it.[↗](../../poison/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Keep poisons locked away from little children.[↗](../../poison/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Some berries are poison — don't eat them.[↗](../../poison/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The witch poisoned the apple.[↗](../../poison/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Food poisoning comes from bad or undercooked food.[↗](../../poison/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Poison ivy gives you an itchy rash.[↗](../../poison/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Call the poison help line if someone swallows medicine by mistake.[↗](../../poison/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · The skull and crossbones symbol means poison.[↗](../../poison/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · "We'll poison her--poison her!" shrieked the witches.[↗](../../poison/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · Their wine is the venom of serpents, and the cruel poison of asps.[↗](../../poison/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah DEU.32.33, JPS 1917)[↗](../../poison/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") · He shall suck the poison of asps; the viper's tongue shall slay him.[↗](../../poison/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings JOB.20.16, JPS 1917)[↗](../../poison/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") · Who have whet their tongue like a sword, and have aimed their arrow, a poisoned word; (Writings PSA.64.4, JPS 1917)[↗](../../poison/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") · Yea, they put poison into my food; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.[↗](../../poison/#x13 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings PSA.69.22, JPS 1917)[↗](../../poison/#x13 "tree and pragmatics") **poisonous** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Containing poison; able to make you very ill or kill you if eaten, drunk, breathed in or touched.[↗](../../poisonous/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Of a person or remarks: very unkind and harmful (figurative).[↗](../../poisonous/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Some mushrooms are poisonous.[↗](../../poisonous/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Don't eat berries from the bushes — they might be poisonous.[↗](../../poisonous/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Bleach is poisonous, so keep it locked away.[↗](../../poisonous/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Poison dart frogs are poisonous to touch.[↗](../../poisonous/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas you can't smell.[↗](../../poisonous/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Foxgloves are poisonous plants.[↗](../../poisonous/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Is this spider poisonous or venomous?[↗](../../poisonous/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · Chocolate is poisonous to dogs.[↗](../../poisonous/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · Poisonous flies and gnats flew into the coach by thousands.[↗](../../poisonous/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") **poke** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To poke is to push something with your finger or a pointed object.[↗](../../poke/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To poke out is to stick out from somewhere so you can see part of it.[↗](../../poke/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* A poke is a quick push with a finger or stick.[↗](../../poke/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* To poke around is to look around in a place, sometimes where you should not.[↗](../../poke/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 5:* To poke fun at someone is to laugh at them unkindly.[↗](../../poke/#m5 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 6:* To buy a pig in a poke means to buy something without looking at it first.[↗](../../poke/#m6 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Don't poke the dog with a stick.[↗](../../poke/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · He poked me in the arm to wake me.[↗](../../poke/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · A rabbit poked its head out of the burrow.[↗](../../poke/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Never poke anything into a socket.[↗](../../poke/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Stop poking around in my room\![↗](../../poke/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · It's unkind to poke fun at people.[↗](../../poke/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Daffodils were poking up through the soil.[↗](../../poke/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **poker** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A card game in which players bet money or chips on whose cards are best, often bluffing (pretending).[↗](../../poker/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A metal rod used to move burning wood or coal in a fireplace.[↗](../../poker/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* Someone who pokes (rare).[↗](../../poker/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* (poker face) A face that shows no feelings.[↗](../../poker/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Gran stirred the fire with the poker.[↗](../../poker/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Never play with the hot poker.[↗](../../poker/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The grown-ups played poker with chips.[↗](../../poker/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · He kept a poker face while he lied about the cake.[↗](../../poker/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · A poker is made of iron.[↗](../../poker/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · In poker, a "flush" is five cards of the same suit.[↗](../../poker/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · She rattled the poker up the chimney and tapped the walls.[↗](../../poker/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **poky** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (informal) Of a room or house: small and cramped, with not enough space.[↗](../../poky/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (USA, informal) Slow and dull.[↗](../../poky/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (noun, USA slang, «the pokey») jail.[↗](../../poky/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* They lived in a poky little flat above the shop.[↗](../../poky/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · My bedroom is a bit poky.[↗](../../poky/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The car was poky and slow.[↗](../../poky/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Mole feared the Rat would think his house was poky.[↗](../../poky/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · It was hard to cook in the poky kitchen.[↗](../../poky/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · We squeezed into a poky little café.[↗](../../poky/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **polar** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To do with the North Pole or the South Pole, or the very cold areas around them.[↗](../../polar/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Completely opposite.[↗](../../polar/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *e.g.* "polar opposites".[↗](../../polar/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* In science, to do with the poles of a magnet or of the Earth.[↗](../../polar/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Polar bears live in the Arctic.[↗](../../polar/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Penguins live in the southern polar region.[↗](../../polar/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The polar ice caps are melting as the Earth warms.[↗](../../polar/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · In polar winters the sun may not rise for weeks.[↗](../../polar/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · My brother and I are polar opposites: he is loud and I am quiet.[↗](../../polar/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Explorers need special clothes for polar journeys.[↗](../../polar/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · We made a model of a polar habitat in class.[↗](../../polar/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · Birds from the Polar regions came flying here, and of course the stork and the swallow were not absent.[↗](../../polar/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **polarisation** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (science) Polarisation of light is when light waves are made to vibrate in only one direction, as in polarised sunglasses that cut glare.[↗](../../polarisation/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Polarisation of people is when a group splits into two sides with opposite views that move further apart.[↗](../../polarisation/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (science) It can also mean something gaining two opposite poles or charges, like a magnet or battery.[↗](../../polarisation/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Polarised sunglasses use the polarisation of light to cut glare.[↗](../../polarisation/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The class argued, and there was real polarisation.[↗](../../polarisation/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · News reports talk about polarisation in politics.[↗](../../polarisation/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Polarisation means people end up on two opposite sides.[↗](../../polarisation/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Fishermen wear polarised glasses to see into water.[↗](../../polarisation/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Polarisation in the group meant nobody would agree.[↗](../../polarisation/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **polder** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A piece of low, flat land taken back from the sea or a lake and protected by dykes (walls of earth), mainly in the Netherlands.[↗](../../polder/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Much of Holland is made of polders.[↗](../../polder/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Windmills pumped water out of the polders.[↗](../../polder/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The polder is below sea level.[↗](../../polder/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Farmers grow tulips on the polders.[↗](../../polder/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · A dyke protects the polder from the sea.[↗](../../polder/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · We cycled across a flat Dutch polder.[↗](../../polder/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **pole** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A pole is a long thin stick, often of wood or metal, that stands up straight or is held.[↗](../../pole/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* The North Pole and the South Pole are the most northern and southern points of the Earth.[↗](../../pole/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* A magnet has two poles, north and south.[↗](../../pole/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* A Pole is a person from Poland.[↗](../../pole/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Poles are put every 5 m along a 50 m road.[↗](../../pole/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · A pole is 3 m long.[↗](../../pole/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Part of the pole is in the water.[↗](../../pole/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · How many poles are needed?[↗](../../pole/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Santa is said to live at the North Pole.[↗](../../pole/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Penguins live near the South Pole, not the North Pole.[↗](../../pole/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The north pole of one magnet pulls the south pole of another.[↗](../../pole/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · We put up the tent with four poles.[↗](../../pole/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · "They're close to the North Pole," said George.[↗](../../pole/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole; and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live.'[↗](../../pole/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah NUM.21.8, JPS 1917)[↗](../../pole/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") · And Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it upon the pole; and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked unto the serpent of brass, he lived.[↗](../../pole/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") (Torah NUM.21.9, JPS 1917)[↗](../../pole/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") · And they came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it upon a pole between two; they took also of the pomegranates, and of the figs. — (Torah NUM.13.23, JPS 1917)[↗](../../pole/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") **polecat** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A polecat is a wild animal of the weasel family, with dark brown fur and a pale face mask, that gives off a strong smell when frightened.[↗](../../polecat/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (USA) In the USA, «polecat» is an old country word for a skunk.[↗](../../polecat/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (old, insult) Calling someone a polecat once meant they were nasty.[↗](../../polecat/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The polecat hunted rabbits at night.[↗](../../polecat/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Pet ferrets are related to polecats.[↗](../../polecat/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Polecats live in Britain and Europe.[↗](../../polecat/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The polecat has a dark mask on its face.[↗](../../polecat/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · (USA) Grandpa called the skunk a polecat.[↗](../../polecat/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · A frightened polecat gives off a nasty smell.[↗](../../polecat/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · She had a mane like a horse, horns like a deer, a face like a bear, eyes like a polecat; while her body had something of each.[↗](../../polecat/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **police** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* The police are the people whose job is to keep everyone safe, help people in danger and make sure the laws are kept.[↗](../../police/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A police officer is one person who works for the police.[↗](../../police/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* There are 12 police officers at the station.[↗](../../police/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Each police car has 2 officers.[↗](../../police/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · 4 police cars came.[↗](../../police/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · How many police officers work in 3 shifts of 8?[↗](../../police/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · If you are lost, ask a police officer for help.[↗](../../police/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The police are looking for the missing dog.[↗](../../police/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · A police car went past with its siren on.[↗](../../police/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · We visited the police station on our school trip.[↗](../../police/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · They hurried off to consult the police and see what could be done.[↗](../../police/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") **policeman** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A policeman is a man who is a member of the police, the people whose job is to keep people safe and make sure laws are obeyed.[↗](../../policeman/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The policeman helped the old lady cross the road.[↗](../../policeman/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · If you get lost, look for a policeman or police officer.[↗](../../policeman/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Two policemen came to talk to our class about safety.[↗](../../policeman/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The policeman wrote down what the boy had seen.[↗](../../policeman/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · My uncle is a policeman in Dublin.[↗](../../policeman/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · A policeman on a horse rode through the park.[↗](../../policeman/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · "What's the matter, old man?" asked a sympathizing policeman.[↗](../../policeman/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **policy** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A plan or set of rules that a school, company or government decides to follow: the school's policy on phones.[↗](../../policy/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* An insurance policy: a written agreement that an insurance company will pay if something bad happens.[↗](../../policy/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* A sensible way of acting: «Honesty is the best policy».[↗](../../policy/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Our school has a no-phones policy in class.[↗](../../policy/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Honesty is the best policy.[↗](../../policy/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The new policy says all pupils wear hats outside.[↗](../../policy/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Mum read the insurance policy carefully.[↗](../../policy/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The library's policy is a fine of 10p a day for late books.[↗](../../policy/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The government changed its policy on bus fares.[↗](../../policy/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · It's against company policy to give refunds without a receipt.[↗](../../policy/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · Being kind is always a good policy.[↗](../../policy/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · "Honesty's the best policy!" quoth Ivan, as he skipped about in his new quarters.[↗](../../policy/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") **polio** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A serious illness caused by a virus that can damage the nerves and cause paralysis, so people cannot move parts of their body.[↗](../../polio/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") Its full name is poliomyelitis.[↗](../../polio/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Polio vaccines have saved millions of children from paralysis.[↗](../../polio/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Grandma remembers getting the polio vaccine on a sugar lump.[↗](../../polio/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Polio is caused by a virus.[↗](../../polio/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Jonas Salk made one of the first polio vaccines.[↗](../../polio/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Today polio has almost disappeared from the world.[↗](../../polio/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Some people who had polio needed leg braces to walk.[↗](../../polio/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **poliomyelitis** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nerves and can cause paralysis, especially in children.[↗](../../poliomyelitis/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") It can be prevented by a vaccine.[↗](../../poliomyelitis/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Poliomyelitis is usually called polio.[↗](../../poliomyelitis/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The polio vaccine has saved millions of children.[↗](../../poliomyelitis/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Jonas Salk made the first polio vaccine.[↗](../../poliomyelitis/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Poliomyelitis can cause paralysis in the legs.[↗](../../poliomyelitis/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Today polio is very rare thanks to vaccination.[↗](../../poliomyelitis/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · President Roosevelt used a wheelchair after he had polio.[↗](../../poliomyelitis/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **polish** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (verb) To rub something to make it smooth and shiny.[↗](../../polish/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (noun) A cream, liquid or wax used to make things shiny: «shoe polish», «nail polish».[↗](../../polish/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (verb) To improve something to make it better: «polish your story».[↗](../../polish/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* (noun) A smooth shine.[↗](../../polish/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") Note: «Polish» with a capital P means from Poland.[↗](../../polish/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 5:* To polish off something is to finish it quickly, such as eating all of a meal.[↗](../../polish/#m5 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* He polished his shoes until they shone.[↗](../../polish/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Mum put on red nail polish.[↗](../../polish/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Polish the table with a soft cloth.[↗](../../polish/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Spend ten minutes polishing your story.[↗](../../polish/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · He polished off the whole pizza.[↗](../../polish/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The old coin had a nice polish.[↗](../../polish/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Keep nail polish remover away from little children.[↗](../../polish/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · You must have seen old Kerick polishing off a drove.[↗](../../polish/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · His hands are as rods of gold set with beryl; his body is as polished ivory overlaid with sapphires.[↗](../../polish/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings SNG.5.14, JPS 1917)[↗](../../polish/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · Her princes were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire; (Writings LAM.4.7, JPS 1917)[↗](../../polish/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") · And He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me; and He hath made me a polished shaft, in His quiver hath He concealed me; (Prophets ISA.49.2, JPS 1917)[↗](../../polish/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/) … [40](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/40/) **41** [42](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/42/) … [77](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/77/) - ← previous: [page 40](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/40/) - next →: [page 42](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/page/42/) - ↑ back to [The English dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/)