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

Embroidery, needlework and patchwork and crochet are techniques that Groves uses often, giving her designs a multi-layered element. —Katie Abel, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025

The incident made clear that vaccination couldn’t remain a patchwork affair. —Jake Scott, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025

But some said the bill offered a good start to address gaps in the patchwork of state regulations. —Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 18 Dec. 2025

His work combines on-the-ground reportage with historical reconstruction, often stitched together from a patchwork of oral recollections. —Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 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