patchier; patchiest
Synonyms of patchynext
1
: marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches
2
: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality
patchily adverb
patchiness noun

Examples of patchy in a Sentence

The lawn is kind of patchy this year. Patchy fog made driving difficult. His knowledge of the language is patchy. She has only a patchy understanding of his condition.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here are ways snow can cause a bare and patchy lawn, signs to watch for, and how to keep damage to a minimum. Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026 While many areas are seeing visibility reduced to between one and three miles, patchy dense fog is reducing visibilities to as low as one quarter mile in spots. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026 Gusty northerly winds are also causing areas of patchy blowing snow, especially along and east of I-70, which may briefly reduce visibility. Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026 The regulatory framework for new AI services is patchy, with approvals largely happening at the state level. semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patchy

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patchy was in 1583

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

patchy

adjective
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork

More from Merriam-Webster on patchy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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