patchier; patchiest
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.
Overnight, patchy fog will form again in some parts of the metro. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025 An effective waterproof base about the thickness of a coating of paint was produced after three days of fungus growth in warm conditions, and by the fourth day the coating produced patchy yellow, orange or tan markings. New Atlas, 15 Nov. 2025 From there, the story gets harder to discern because the record of ancient dog remains (including any DNA or other molecules that might have been preserved) is patchy. Kate Wong, Scientific American, 13 Nov. 2025 Geographically, too, the impact of this shutdown has been patchy. Amitrajeet A. Batabyal, The Conversation, 13 Nov. 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 26 Nov. 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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