always used before a noun
1
ˈpætn̩t,
British ˈpeɪtn̩t
: of, relating to, or concerned with patents
a patent law/lawyer
The company settled a patent dispute last year.
the licensing of patent rights
a patent application
They were sued for patent infringement.
a patent holder/owner
2
ˈpeɪtn̩t
formal
: obvious or clear
His explanation turned out to be a patent lie.
She acted with patent disregard for the rules.
plural patents
: an official document that gives a person or company the right to be the only one that makes or sells a product for a certain period of time
—often + on
The company holds the/a patent on the product.
They want to take out a patent on [=obtain a patent for] the process.
—often + forShe applied for patents for several of her inventions.
The product is protected by patent.
patents; patented; patenting
: to get a patent for (something)
They patented their invention.
The product was patented by its inventor.
a patented process/drug
Cite this Entry
“Patent.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/patent. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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