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.
There is a slight chance of patchy freezing drizzle in the morning and early afternoon across eastern Kansas and western Missouri, according to the weather service. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 13 Dec. 2025 Economists are scouring the data — which is patchy, thanks to the long government shutdown – for early signs of where the AI economy is ultimately headed, for better or worse. Mark Niquette, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2025 Warning signs include yellowing within a week of infestation, purpling or reddening of leaves, stunting despite adequate moisture, weakening root systems and patchy areas of thinning or dead grass. Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025 Some patchy freezing drizzle is possible at times over central-southern Minnesota, but little to no ice accumulation is expected. Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 9 Dec. 2025 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 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

patchy

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

More from Merriam-Webster on patchy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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