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

Klein is weighing whether to enroll her daughter in CPS, but said the patchwork of AI and screen-time policies give her pause. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026

Denver’s front seven is strong and Carolina’s patchwork offensive line has allowed 11 sacks in the past two games. — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026

If El Niño brings storms that damage the road again, history suggests Caltrans will fix it, seemingly stuck in an endless loop of patchwork repairs for one of California’s most challenging mountain highways to maintain. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

This makes the growing patchwork of conflicting state rules governing MSOs particularly troubling. — Will Hausberg, Fortune, 4 Nov. 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