patchwork

noun

patch·​work ˈpach-ˌwərk 

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

• patchwork 2

Synonyms

• jumble
• medley
• variety
• assortment
• collage
• hodgepodge
• mishmash

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

Schools, conferences, and even states are creating their own rules, leading to a patchwork system with little national uniformity. —Jim Martin, Denver Post, 3 Aug. 2025

Cricket sweaters, patchwork blanket, and distressed baseball caps. —James Powel, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025

The Regulatory Maze of Crypto Gambling The numbers expose the fundamental failure of America's patchwork legalization approach. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

At first, Veolia helped make temporary patchwork repairs to the sinkhole opening, and the road was open using the eastbound lane, ACHD said. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing patchwork

• patchwork quilt

Rhymes for patchwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork

Kids Definition

patchwork

noun

patch·​work ˈpach-ˌwərk 

1

: something made up of various parts

2

: pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together usually in a pattern

patchwork adjective