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

There is currently a patchwork of state NIL laws with varying rights, obligations and enforcement mechanisms, meaning schools and athletes play by varying sets of rules—and the rules could change if an athlete changes schools. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Foundations for Nations is located amid a patchwork of federal, tribal and private property — the legacy of 19th century federal policies designed to eliminate tribes by breaking up collective land bases. — Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

What Klein and Cameron share is a foundation of denim, and here was a patchwork jacket worn with a rugged version of the Brooke Shields bootcut. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

This results in a world of patchwork range widths, inconsistent pay progression and incomplete or outdated surveys as leaders hop from one survey provider to another to account for low n-count. — Maria Colacurcio, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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