patchwork

noun

patch·​work ˈpach-ˌwərk How to pronounce patchwork (audio)
often attributive
1
: something composed of miscellaneous or incongruous parts : hodgepodge
2
: pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together to form a covering
also : something resembling such a covering
a patchwork of fields

Illustration of patchwork

Illustration of patchwork
  • patchwork 2

Examples of patchwork in a Sentence

The valley is a patchwork of family farms. A patchwork of laws prevent the land from being developed. a patchwork system of laws
Recent Examples on the Web Dwight’s enterprise is a patchwork mob, and this sequence couldn’t make that more clear. Hayden Mears, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2024 Left dry were fields of alfalfa, Bermuda grass and klein grass — in all more than 154,000 acres, or roughly a third of the valley’s irrigated land — forming a stark patchwork of brown fields interspersed with lush green crops. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024 This season that showed in its new patchwork wrap coat that was more blanket than boho, and a cool palette of petrol blue, deep khaki and burgundy that was on trend with the key colors seen on the runways. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 4 Oct. 2024 Western snap-up shirts were cut into vests and relaxed jeans featured tonal patchwork, dirty tints and rips. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patchwork 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patchwork.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patchwork was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near patchwork

Cite this Entry

“Patchwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchwork. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

patchwork

noun
patch·​work ˈpach-ˌwərk How to pronounce patchwork (audio)
1
: something made up of various parts
2
: pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together usually in a pattern
patchwork adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on patchwork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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