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

What was once a relatively direct connection between continents is becoming a patchwork of workarounds. —Zach Levitt, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026

For a more grunge vibe, a patchwork plaid skirt was worn over relaxed jeans, cinched with a studded bel. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026

Pushing the work to states could create a patchwork of systems with uneven protections. —Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Sculpted from years of collaborative sessions, the latest album from producer Florian T M Zeisig is a drifting patchwork inspired by rock music but structured like a beat tape. —Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 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