Illustration of patchwork
- patchwork 2
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
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
Plant a patchwork of sedums for a multi-colored, mat-forming groundcover.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, the rollout of India’s new four labor codes, intended to replace a patchwork of older laws, formally began on April 1, though implementation depends on individual states finalizing their own rules.
—Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026
The legislation would create uniform statewide standards, replacing the current patchwork of local ordinances, an approach that has the backing of the Illinois Municipal League, which typically resists state efforts to preempt home rule authority.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
They’re also outfitted with patchwork pockets and front-seam detailing for an even more eye-catching look.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patchwork
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, the rollout of India’s new four labor codes, intended to replace a patchwork of older laws, formally began on April 1, though implementation depends on individual states finalizing their own rules.
—Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026
The legislation would create uniform statewide standards, replacing the current patchwork of local ordinances, an approach that has the backing of the Illinois Municipal League, which typically resists state efforts to preempt home rule authority.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
They’re also outfitted with patchwork pockets and front-seam detailing for an even more eye-catching look.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patchwork
Cite this Entry
“Patchwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchwork. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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