patchy

adjective

ˈpa-chē 

patchier; patchiest

1

: marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches

2

: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality

patchily

ˈpa-chə-lē 

adverb

patchiness

ˈpa-chē-nəs 

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

Its patchy, matt grey bodywork absorbed the strip light and didn’t give much back. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Reuters reported patchy take-up outside Nigeria, reflecting low levels of cross-border investment. — semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026

As for the lows, sweater weather will officially arrive for Charlotte, with lows near 40 degrees this weekend, and a chance for patchy frost for out-lying areas, forecasters say. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

That raises the possibility of patchy frost, particularly in sheltered valleys and locations where winds relax overnight. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for patchy

• catchy
• scratchy
• apache
• malachi

Kids Definition

patchy

adjective

ˈpach-ē 

patchier; patchiest

: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork