patchier; patchiest
Synonyms of patchynext
1
: marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches
2
: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality
patchily adverb
patchiness noun

Examples of patchy in a Sentence

The lawn is kind of patchy this year. Patchy fog made driving difficult. His knowledge of the language is patchy. She has only a patchy understanding of his condition.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Olay Super Serum Body Cream is formulated with powerful ingredients that tackle different elements of rough, patchy skin. Claire West, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 With demand outpacing the availability of providers, wait times can stretch for months or even years, depending on the procedure, while insurance coverage is patchy and confusing. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026 Sunday showers followed by a shot of chilly weather early next week may bring the region patchy areas of frost. Steven Sosna, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026 They're exposed to the elements, heavy footsteps, and potential pests all year—and one of the biggest culprits behind a patchy or bare lawn is compaction. Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patchy

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patchy was in 1583

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

patchy

adjective
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork

More from Merriam-Webster on patchy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster