'high-gloss' originates from Modern English, specifically the combination of the adjective 'high' and the noun 'gloss', used together to describe a high level of sheen.

'high' comes from Old English 'hēah' meaning 'high, tall'; 'gloss' (in the sense of shine or luster) developed in Middle English from earlier Germanic roots referring to gleam or shine, and the compound 'high-gloss' arose in modern usage describing finishes with strong reflectivity.

Initially the components referred separately to 'height' and 'shine'; over time the compound came to mean specifically a finish or surface that has a very high sheen (i.e., very shiny).