Polish has two major meanings.

Pronounced with a long "O", Polish can mean:

• From or related to Poland, in particular referring to the Polish people, who are also known as Poles, or Polish culture.
• The Polish language
• Short for Polish sausage, or kiełbasa

With a short "O":

• To rub to make smooth or shiny, see polishing
• A shine on a surface caused by polishing
• A compound used when polishing, for example shoe polish.