patina

American  

[pat-n-uh, puh-tee-nuh] / ˈpæt n ə, pəˈti nə /

noun

1. a film or incrustation, usually green, produced by oxidation on the surface of old bronze and often esteemed as being of ornamental value.

2. a similar film or coloring appearing gradually on some other substance.

3. a surface calcification of implements, usually indicating great age.

---

patina ¹ British  

/ ˈpætɪnə /

noun

1. a film of oxide formed on the surface of a metal, esp the green oxidation of bronze or copper See also verdigris

2. any fine layer on a surface

   a patina of frost

3. the sheen on a surface that is caused by much handling

---

patina ² British  

/ ˈpætɪnə /

noun

1. a broad shallow dish used in ancient Rome

---

Etymology

Origin of patina

1740–50; < Italian: coating < Latin: pan. See paten

Explanation

If you have an old bronze sculpture with a surface that has oxidized and turned green or brown, that coating is called a patina. A patina can appear on anything made of metal. A patina can also be the shiny surface on wooden furniture that you get after years and years of polishing. You can also use the word in a metaphorical sense, to describe somebody who has acquired some surface character that doesn't go very deep — like the tycoon who has a patina of sophistication but only pretends to be interested in art and literature.

Example Sentences

“Overcleaning can remove patina, soften detail and reduce value — particularly for antique pieces. When in doubt, leave it as is,” said Emily Otranto, lead researcher with M.S.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

One of the affected neighborhoods is Jabriyat, a wealthy area overlooking the camp that has the feel of a ghost town, where villas bear the dusty patina of abandonment.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

Camara called criticism that she and other candidates were being allowed to run only to give the election a patina of authenticity a "narrow-minded view".

From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025

After a several rounds of cooking with oil, carbon steel develops a naturally nonstick patina, similar to the slick surface of a well-seasoned cast iron pan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

It was a sow, not a boar, and under a patina of mud it was the pink of a domestic pig, not the brown bristle of a wild one.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• blanket
• coat
• crust
• glaze
• layer
• membrane
• sheet
• skin
• varnish
• veneer