patchwork

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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

See patchwork defined for English-language learners

See patchwork defined for kids

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 of patchwork from the Web

But lots of laws work by patchwork, and different workers make different amounts even in the same place.

— david a. graham, The Atlantic, "How St. Louis Workers Won and Then Lost a Minimum-Wage Hike," 29 Aug. 2017
The corners of the room were lined with tea lights, and in the middle of the room was a large patchwork quilt.

— lisa ryan, The Cut, "Two Hours of Touching Strange Men at Tantra Speed Dating," 29 Aug. 2017
SHOP: macys.com The collection is both Western and rock 'n' roll inspired, using details like fringe, patchwork, and studs.

— christine flammia, Esquire, "Levi's Just Dropped the Denim Jacket You Need This Fall," 18 Aug. 2017
That patchwork, conservationists argue, has left the high seas open to pillage.

— somini sengupta, New York Times, "Nations Will Start Talks to Protect Fish of the High Seas," 2 Aug. 2017
Austin Allen, Arkansas -- Led the SEC in passing yards last season despite taking a beating behind a patchwork offensive line.

— creg stephenson, AL.com, "AL.com All-Access: So who's the best quarterback in the SEC in 2017?," 2 Aug. 2017
An entire wall houses a colorful patchwork of matchbooks from Kansas City businesses; one corner holds a shrine to Pabst Blue Ribbon beer — his favorite — and another features stacks of paint cans from his grandfather’s business, Minnesota Paints.

— jacob gedetsis, kansascity, "This couple’s KC-themed collection is so huge they bought a second house to hold it," 14 July 2017
That decision was endorsed by the Supreme Court, leading to a patchwork of permission throughout the republic.

— The Economist, "If human cloning happenedHow the story of human cloning could unfold," 13 July 2017
Pants: Dolce & Gabbana leather patchwork pants, $625, Vintage Martini.

— star-telegram, "Dress for the Fest: Festival fads include bold accessories, bright colors, floral patterns," 5 July 2017

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.

Illustration of patchwork

First Known Use of patchwork

1634

patchwork Synonyms

Synonyms

agglomerate, agglomeration, alphabet soup, assortment, botch, clutter, collage, crazy quilt, farrago, gallimaufry, grab bag, gumbo, hash, hodgepodge, hotchpotch, jambalaya, jumble, jungle, litter, macédoine, medley, mélange, menagerie, miscellanea, mishmash, mixed bag, montage, motley, muddle, olio, olla podrida, omnium-gatherum, pastiche, miscellany, patchwork quilt, potpourri, ragbag, ragout, rummage, salad, salmagundi, scramble, shuffle, smorgasbord, stew, tumble, variety, welter

PATCHWORK Defined for English Language Learners

patchwork

play

noun

Definition of patchwork for English Language Learners

: something that is made up of different things
: pieces of cloth of different colors and shapes that are sewn together in a pattern

PATCHWORK Defined for Kids

patchwork

play

noun patch·work \ ˈpach-ˌwərk \

Definition of patchwork for Students

1 :pieces of cloth of different colors and shapes sewed together

2 :something made up of different parts

The farm is a patchwork of fields.

Learn More about patchwork

See words that rhyme with patchwork Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for patchwork Spanish Central: Translation of patchwork Nglish: Translation of patchwork for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of patchwork for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patchwork

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Examples of patchwork in a Sentence

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Illustration of patchwork

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PATCHWORK Defined for English Language Learners

patchwork

Definition of patchwork for English Language Learners

PATCHWORK Defined for Kids

patchwork

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