patent leather

noun

pat·​ent leather ˈpa-tᵊn(t)- How to pronounce patent leather (audio)
British usually ˈpā-
Synonyms of patent leathernext
: a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface

Examples of patent leather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Towering patent leather Louboutins hid underneath the floor-grazing dress, while a tiny coin purse provided the finishing touch. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026 The shoes are crafted in smooth patent leather in an orange-red shade, and are set on a 100mm straight stiletto heel, or 4 inches. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 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 See All Example Sentences for patent leather

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patent leather was in 1816

Rhymes for patent leather

See All Rhymes for patent leather

Browse Nearby Words

patent insides
patent leather
patent log
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patent leather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patent%20leather. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

patent leather

noun
pat·​ent leather ˌpat-ᵊn(t)- How to pronounce patent leather (audio)
: a leather with a hard smooth glossy surface

More from Merriam-Webster on patent leather

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for patent leather

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patent leather

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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