patent leather

noun

pat·​ent leather ˈpa-tᵊn(t)- 

British usually ˈpā-

: a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface

Examples of patent leather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its all-black patent leather look is one of Nike’s most successful sneakers of all-time — literally. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026

This style has a breathable mesh upper that’s ideal for preventing overheating indoors and in between seasons, but the shoes are also available in faux leather, microsuede, and patent leather materials. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026

The second suspect is described as having braids that extend past his waist who was wearing an orange-and-white Von Dutch ball cap, a dress shirt with a bow tie, white suspenders, dress pants, and patent leather dress shoes. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

For delicate items, like patent leather shoes or belts, wrap them in a clean pillowcase or soft cloth before bagging to avoid direct pressure from other frozen goods. — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for patent leather

• altogether
• aether
• gether
• heather
• nether
• tether
• weather
• wether
• whether
• together

Kids Definition

patent leather

noun

pat·​ent leather ˌpat-ᵊn(t)- 

: a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface