patchwork

noun, often attributive

patch·work | \ ˈpach-ˌwərk

Definition of patchwork

1 : something composed of miscellaneous or incongruous parts : hodgepodge

2 : pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together to form a covering also : something resembling such a covering a patchwork of fields

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about patchwork

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Examples of patchwork in a Sentence

The valley is a patchwork of family farms. A patchwork of laws prevent the land from being developed. a patchwork system of laws

Recent Examples on the Web These long-distance quests stem from a dizzying patchwork of state rules for distributing the vaccines and the lack of coordinated, national standards. — Chris Serres, Star Tribune, "Thousands of Minnesotans cross state lines for COVID-19 vaccine," 5 Mar. 2021 California’s public and private schools have adopted a patchwork of approaches to teaching students since the academic year began in August. — John Myers, Los Angeles Times, "California school reopening plan gets final OK, though some lawmakers wanted more," 4 Mar. 2021 While there remains a patchwork of responses by state and local officials, the Biden administration has ramped up efforts to vaccinate Americans, the official said, creating what the official called a much more coherent federal response. — New York Times, "As Biden Urges Caution on Covid, Governors Split on How Fast to Reopen," 4 Mar. 2021 California’s shift to a new coronavirus vaccine distribution program was starting Monday, with a scheme developed by Blue Shield intended to unify a patchwork of eligibility standards and speed up vaccine rollout efforts. — Chronicle Staff, San Francisco Chronicle, "Coronavirus updates from the Bay Area: Feb. 25-Mar. 3, 2021," 3 Mar. 2021 But the additional requirements also bring additional burdens - paperwork and a patchwork of rules that vary by destination. — Author: Lori Aratani, Anchorage Daily News, "Digital health passports promise to simplify travel, but come with a lack of standards," 28 Feb. 2021 But the additional requirements also bring additional burdens — paperwork and a patchwork of rules that vary by destination. — Washington Post, "Digital health passports promise to simplify travel, but come with a lack of standards," 26 Feb. 2021 In these voids, MRI brain imaging shows a collaborative patchwork of gray matter called the default mode network takes control. — Eleanor Cummins, Popular Science, "Why spacing out is good for you," 25 Feb. 2021 Bynum has argued that there should be a statewide minimum standard for discipline of officers in Oregon and not a patchwork of disciplinary actions around the state. — oregonlive, "Public access to police discipline records gets hearing in Oregon Legislature," 23 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'patchwork.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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