Illustration of patchwork
- patchwork 2
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
As its patchwork alliance of former political prisoners engage in a debate over what to do with Rashid, each person reveals a different understanding of not just what justice entails, but also what the truth actually is.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
By 2025, several Chicagoland suburbs had enacted a patchwork of rules, including age limits and even bans on the vehicles.
—Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Toddler Gigi could be seen dressed in bright ‘90s snow gear with a teal sherpa hat, matching snow goggles, an orange bandana, and a patchwork yellow, blue, and red ski jacket.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 Feb. 2026
While the players on the pitch show plenty of rust, this patchwork tapestry of supporters groups, who are coalescing for the first time, appears orchestral.
—Theo Lloyd-Hughes, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patchwork
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
By 2025, several Chicagoland suburbs had enacted a patchwork of rules, including age limits and even bans on the vehicles.
—Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Toddler Gigi could be seen dressed in bright ‘90s snow gear with a teal sherpa hat, matching snow goggles, an orange bandana, and a patchwork yellow, blue, and red ski jacket.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 Feb. 2026
While the players on the pitch show plenty of rust, this patchwork tapestry of supporters groups, who are coalescing for the first time, appears orchestral.
—Theo Lloyd-Hughes, New York Times, 1 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 10 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
