Illustration of patchwork
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patchwork
noun
patch·work
ˈpach-ˌwərk 
often attributive
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
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
But the state’s rules also allow local governments to prohibit some or all classes of e-bikes on bike paths, which has created a patchwork of different laws across Chicago’s suburbs.
—
Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Readers will also learn how to repurpose existing garments into new items such as hats, bags, slippers and other patchwork pieces.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026
The result is a patchwork of ad-hoc extensions that can lead to abrupt dead ends and head-scratching configurations.
—Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
And the patchwork style of Brij Sadanah’s direction enhances the colorfully over-the-top story, which recasts Wuthering Heights as a sensationalistic revenge drama.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patchwork
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Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Readers will also learn how to repurpose existing garments into new items such as hats, bags, slippers and other patchwork pieces.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026
The result is a patchwork of ad-hoc extensions that can lead to abrupt dead ends and head-scratching configurations.
—Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
And the patchwork style of Brij Sadanah’s direction enhances the colorfully over-the-top story, which recasts Wuthering Heights as a sensationalistic revenge drama.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patchwork
Cite this Entry
“Patchwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchwork. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patchwork
noun
patch·work
ˈpach-ˌwərk
1
: something made up of various parts
2
: pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together usually in a pattern
patchwork
adjective
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