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 began using patina in the 17th century to refer to the green film that forms on the surface of copper, they were drawing on 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.

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

New patio chairs are covered with plush cushions, but the wooden deck railing still has a soulful saltwater patina. — Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

Family, friends and neighbors filled the frames with dancing and dominoes; their apartments painted in shades of mint, butter yellow and palomino pink, flecked with a patina cultivated by humidity and time. — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

This circa-1950s one from Eagle and Hodges bears small imperfections and, with time, will develop a rich patina. — Alex Eagle, Vogue, 26 July 2026

The woven texture adds warmth to the room, while the leather will develop a rich patina and even more character over time. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 24 July 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