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.
Cold front Tuesday Clouds will dominate Central Texas on Tuesday morning, along with areas of patchy to dense fog that could reduce visibility during the morning commute, especially west of Austin, where winds will be lighter. Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026 In a patchy field outside the nonprofit’s office, as city officials and police worked, the two hugged. Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026 Patchy fog is forecast Sunday night, with patchy morning fog and partly cloudy conditions Monday. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026 Konate’s form before Christmas was patchy, with several careless errors leading to goals. James Pearce, New York Times, 31 Jan. 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 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

patchy

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

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