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 longer the starters can go, the less manager Craig Counsell has to rely on a patchwork bullpen. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

The result was a patchwork of stories that mattered to people living through extreme violence, death and censorship. — Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026

The current patchwork asks retailers and consumers to judge compliance product by product. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

The patchwork set included strips of orange, brown, khaki, and green fabric. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 16 July 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