Definition of "patent leather" [patent leather]

• Black leather finished to a hard glossy surface and used especially for shoes and clothing accessories. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Hunt for unique and classic details such as candy-colored patent leather from the seventies, status-label prints and patterns from the eighties think Gucci, or even a fun 1950s woven straw bag."
• "Nilly complained, tap-dancing in his new patent leather shoes so they clicked on the marble floor."
• "Suddenly, Archie Marlin caught up with us in his imitation patent leather shoes and his shiny gray suit, with his glossy red hair parted in the middle."