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

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

Doja Cat, the 27-year-old singer and rapper nominated in five categories, arrived on the red carpet in a figure-hugging, single-shoulder vinyl Versace gown that evoked black patent leather.

From Washington Post • Feb. 5, 2023

Maddy puts on one of her church dresses, white patent leather shoes that most people only wear on Easter Sunday, but for us—for Ma—every Sunday is like Easter Sunday.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds