patchier; patchiest
1
: marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches
2
: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality
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
The other is a patchy, unpersuasive psychodrama about the underlying motivations and years-later ramifications of an unspeakable act—or, in this case, an unrealized plan to commit an unspeakable act.
—
Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
From the remaining patchy snow, the Department of Water Resources officials were not able to obtain any measurable snowpack using their survey pole.
—Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Nest Wi-Fi Pro Router Deal The Nest Wifi Pro makes slow, patchy internet feel like a thing of the past.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
Walking on new grass too soon can compact roots, stunt growth, and cause patchy or dead spots in your lawn.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patchy
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.
Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
From the remaining patchy snow, the Department of Water Resources officials were not able to obtain any measurable snowpack using their survey pole.
—Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Nest Wi-Fi Pro Router Deal The Nest Wifi Pro makes slow, patchy internet feel like a thing of the past.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
Walking on new grass too soon can compact roots, stunt growth, and cause patchy or dead spots in your lawn.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patchy
Cite this Entry
“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patchy
adjective
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
