patent leather

noun

pat·​ent leather ˈpa-tᵊn(t)- How to pronounce patent leather (audio)
British usually ˈpā-
Synonyms of patent leathernext
: a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface

Examples of patent leather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As for footwear and accessories, Seyfried wore her black patent leather penny loafers from the Italian high-fashion women’s clothing and accessories brand. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025 He was also dressed in a pink bow tie, blue sequined pants and shiny black patent leather shoes. Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 2 Dec. 2025 Ballet Flats Lace and sheer fabrics have been trending lately, and there’s no better way to test out the style for yourself than a long, lacy black dress and a pair of patent leather flats. Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2025 Pearl Travel Jewelry Case The exterior of this travel jewelry case is constructed with a glossy vegan patent leather that gives it a rich feel; meanwhile, the interior is lined with a layer of soft velour. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for patent leather

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patent leather was in 1816

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patent leather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patent%20leather. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

patent leather

noun
pat·​ent leather ˌpat-ᵊn(t)- How to pronounce patent leather (audio)
: a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface

More from Merriam-Webster on patent leather

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!