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

Instead, oversight relies on a patchwork of state laws, voluntary standards, existing consumer protections and lawsuits after harm occurs. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 27 July 2026

Their argument is that a patchwork of rules across states is too complicated. — Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

Fashionable expressions of this could be a patchwork bag or a pair of electric lime heels; for the home, Nordic Knots’ hand-knotted rug is a fun take on British gardens. — Alex Eagle, Vogue, 26 July 2026

And this growing patchwork of tariffs on specific countries and products may mean an increasingly complicated scheme for importers to follow. — Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 24 July 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