Varnish is a clear, protective coating that you brush onto wood or other surfaces. When it dries, it creates a hard, shiny shell that protects the material underneath from scratches, water damage, and everyday wear. Think of it like an invisible shield that makes a wooden table or floor more durable while bringing out the natural beauty of the grain.

Carpenters and woodworkers apply varnish to furniture, musical instruments, and boats. A violin gets several coats of varnish to protect the wood and help it produce beautiful sound. A wooden deck might get varnished to withstand rain and sun. The varnish seeps into tiny gaps in the wood, then hardens to form that glossy protective layer.

As a verb, to varnish means to apply this coating. You might varnish a wooden jewelry box you made in shop class, carefully brushing it on and letting each coat dry before adding the next.

The word can also mean to make something seem better than it really is. When someone varnishes the truth, they're putting a glossy coating on the facts, making them look shinier and more appealing than they actually are. Just as varnish can cover small imperfections in wood, this kind of varnishing hides flaws in a story or explanation.