patent leather

noun

pat·​ent leather ˈpa-tᵊn(t)- 

 British usually  ˈpā-

: a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

This patent leather pair is just bright enough to feel like a real switch-up from my classic black pairs, yet versatile enough to wear with suits and weekend dresses. —Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 24 Mar. 2023

Unlike your flimsy, patent leather ballet flats, these shoes offer full-foot comfort and cushioning with their arch-conforming foam insoles and supportive rubber outsoles. —Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2023

In her hand was a Miu Miu bag with cognac patent leather flats to match. —Elise Brisco, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2023

During a trip to London, Hailey Bieber dressed up in a patent leather LaQuan Smith version of her now signature thigh-grazing hemline, with semisheer black tights, slingbacks, and a Saint Laurent Le 5 À 7 bag over her shoulder. —Alice Cary, Glamour, 23 Feb. 2023

Henry Golding rocks a turtleneck under his deep teal velvet suit worn with patent leather dress shoes and perfectly tousled hair on the 2023 Critics Choice Awards red carpet. —Jackie Fields, Peoplemag, 15 Jan. 2023

Doja Cat, the 27-year-old singer and rapper nominated in five categories, arrived on the red carpet in a figure-hugging, single-shoulder vinyl Versace gown that evoked black patent leather. —Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2023

These loafers are all class and comfort – which is not always the case with patent leather. —Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2023

Now the Shopping Bag looks even more sleek and chic in patent leather, coming in red and black iterations of the original matte Shopping Bag. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 6 Dec. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

patent leather

noun

pat·​ent leather ˌpat-ᵊn(t)- 

: a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface