patent leather

[ pat-nt, pat-nor, especially British, peyt-nt ]

noun

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

patent leather

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of patent leather¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

At Amazon’s studios, she sits in a bouclé armchair on her podcast set, dressed like a demure interviewer: patent leather loafers, cuffed jeans, a sweater set, a string of pearls.

From Los Angeles Times

Wearing a dark suit and tie with patent leather loafers, Williams played his 4 1/2-minute composition backed by the Philharmonic, joined by student musicians.

From Seattle Times

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

When she came into the room, Deirdre was wearing a pink dress and black patent leather shoes.

From Literature

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