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

Before then, such cases were prosecuted under a patchwork of local ordinances that varied across the country. —Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

The Reworked Short and Bailey Flare Jean are reimagined with an archival Americana patchwork print inspire by the ’70s. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

As if Sourland was a fortress and not a patchwork of trees, fields, and potheads tripping on botany. —Literary Hub, 22 June 2026

Thanks to the area's patchwork of islands, shallow turquoise flats, and open Atlantic waters stretching to the horizon in every direction, it's consistently rated one of the top places in the world to skydive. —Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

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