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

Players playing out of position in the midfield has created a patchwork. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

That’s why today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is announcing a new pilot program to turn this shoddy patchwork of care into a seamless tapestry. —Mehmet Oz, STAT, 24 Mar. 2026

To bridge that gap, developers rely on a patchwork of public and private financing tools. —Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 24 Mar. 2026

The industry and the White House have pushed back, arguing that a patchwork of rules would hurt growth. —Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 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