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

Illustration of patchwork

• patchwork 2

Synonyms of patchwork

• jumble
• medley
• variety
• assortment
• collage
• hodgepodge
• mishmash

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

Overall, the Almanac’s forecast suggests a patchwork of weather patterns across the country, from chilly rain in the Pacific Northwest to cooler-than-normal temperatures in parts of the Midwest. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2025

With the help of volunteers and partner organizations, the empty lot became a patchwork of various areas of plants, flowers and a pond for the bees and other native insects. —Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2025

And sometimes, neighboring cities have different policies for tracking flood complaints, leading to a patchwork map of flood problems. —Susan Merriam, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

And somehow, the various patchwork prosthetics end up accentuating the Australian actor's leading-man magnetism. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing patchwork

• patchwork quilt

Rhymes for patchwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork

Kids 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