Standard Lemma guide

refinish

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • CMU ARPABET: R IY0 F IH1 N IH0 SH Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To finish again; especially, to apply a fresh finish, as a new coat of varnish or paint.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • She refinished the old table.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

give a new surface

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • refinish the dining room furniture

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: coat, surface

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Italic *wre- Latin re-der. Old French re-bor. Middle English re- English re- English finish English refinish From re- + finish.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: nacharbeiten — to finish again
  • Italian: rifinire — to finish again