patent leather

American  

[pat-nt, pat-n, peyt-nt] / ˈpæt nt, ˈpæt n, ˈpeɪt nt /

noun

1. a hard, glossy, smooth leather, used especially in shoes and accessories.

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patent leather British  

noun

1. leather or imitation leather processed with lacquer to give a hard glossy surface

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Etymology

Origin of patent leather

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

One of her earliest childhood memories is fixating on a pair of pair of shiny patent leather shoes, when she was about five years old, and getting her father to buy them for her.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2024

In contrast, the menswear collection featured sharp tailoring and shorts, complimented by patent leather shoes in black, green and brown with prominent silver buckles and belts.

From Reuters • Sep. 18, 2023

When the 48-year-old conductor leans forward to extend his arms and emphasize vibrato or stretches high for a fortissimo during an orchestra concert, the red soles of his patent leather Christian Louboutins become visible.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 26, 2023

Deeper cut pieces like the heavyweight mechanic’s jacket were paired with patent leather dress shoes; a crisp white tank was layered over a longer, glowing white tee, creating a corset-like effect.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2023

I had removed my patent leather shoes after a while, for they foundered badly in the sand.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath