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

With the patchwork lineup, the Giants had 10 hits and went an impressive 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position to help snap a four-game losing streak. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

In other states, a patchwork of AI approaches has emerged, with variance from one school district to another. — ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

The complex was funded using a patchwork of state and federal tax credits, grants, and loans, according to the handout from O-SDA. — Emily Holshouser august 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026

Here, a sofa slipcovered in a patchwork of paisley tablecloths is joined by a custom Dan John Anderson table inset with abalone shell and brass, a straw artwork made in the Purhépecha region of Mexico, and snuggly bean-bags. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 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