diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/patches.py b/lib/matplotlib/patches.py
index ca3e2b2dd082..b581de840dd9 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/patches.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/patches.py
@@ -1497,7 +1497,7 @@ def _recompute_transform(self):
 
     def get_path(self):
         """
-        Return the vertices of the rectangle
+        Return the path of the ellipse
         """
         return self._path