patchwork

noun

patch·​work ˈpach-ˌwərk How to pronounce patchwork (audio)
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

Illustration of patchwork
  • patchwork 2

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
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.
Everyone else relied on a patchwork of other, much smaller networks, with fewer ports, inconsistent charging speeds and a reputation for unreliability. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 Nov. 2024 But like a lot of health care, it is governed by a patchwork of state and federal rules, and Rosendale and Brecheen think the rules are not strong enough. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024 The first year was a patchwork of childcare via parents, a part-time nanny, and co-parenting. Ed Flores, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 This creates a patchwork of election operations across the country, each governed by its own rules. Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patchwork 

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patchwork was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near patchwork

Cite this Entry

“Patchwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchwork. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

patchwork

noun
patch·​work ˈpach-ˌwərk How to pronounce patchwork (audio)
1
: something made up of various parts
2
: pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together usually in a pattern
patchwork adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on patchwork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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