patina

noun

pa·​ti·​na pə-ˈtē-nə  ˈpa-tə-nə 

plural patinas pə-ˈtē-nəz 

ˈpa-tə-nəz

or patinae pə-ˈtē-ˌnē 

-ˌnī, 

ˈpa-tə-

1

a

: a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color

b

: a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use

the beautiful patina of this antique table

2

: an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character

the criminal has acquired a patina of respectability by his friendship with well-known businessmen

3

: a superficial covering or exterior

The toast was spread with a patina of butter.

Did you know?

When Italians applied the word patina to the green film that forms on the surface of copper, they were drawing from Latin, in which patina means "a shallow dish." (Presumably, the Italian meaning developed from the observation of such film forming on copper dishes.) By the mid-18th century, English speakers were also calling the green film patina, and by the 20th century, they'd expanded the word's application to surface appearances of things that have grown more beautiful with age or use—think of an old wooden desk or a tarnished silver goblet. Use of the word to refer to thin layers both literal and figurative ("a patina of grime," "a patina of respectability") followed soon after. The related verb patinate means "to give a patina to."

Synonyms of patina

• aura
• atmosphere
• smell
• aroma
• air

Examples of patina in a Sentence

although the winery is brand-new, it has been constructed and decorated to give it a patina of old-world quaintness

Recent Examples on the Web

Architectural Digest points to character, history and depth as reasons designers incorporate vintage pieces, noting that older furniture can carry visible patina, craftsmanship and details that give a room a sense of age. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

Older furniture can carry visible patina, craftsmanship and details that give a room a sense of age without turning the whole home into a period recreation. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026

Finishes are made with rare waxes, applied in the final stages of production to add light, depth, richness and a unique patina. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

The material needed to stand up to a little rain—I’m a New Yorker sans car, after all—and still accrue a beautiful patina over time. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin, shallow dish — more at paten

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for patina

• arena
• athena
• cantina
• carina
• carmina
• catena
• czarina
• domina
• farina
• galena
• glossina
• hyena

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