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 of patchwork

• 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

The patchwork of local action creates uncertainty for data center companies considering building in Colorado, Diorio said. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 25 May 2026

Bring the classic Southern farmhouse look home with this patchwork design that reminds us of our grandmothers’ quilts. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 May 2026

The bill's defenders will say that something is better than nothing, that federal law will eventually preempt the patchwork, and that a catastrophic-harm standard is at least enforceable. —Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

And a patchwork of state laws regulating marijuana means not all airports will treat the products the same. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026

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