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

To navigate this paradox, leaders must reframe AI from a chaotic patchwork of tools into a structured ecosystem where workflows are intentionally redesigned for autonomous execution and human oversight. — Khadim Batti, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The form-fitting patchwork gown featured a spaghetti-strap bodice that gave way to angular panels printed with colorful butterfly wings. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 15 Aug. 2026

And a beautiful work of jogakbo, a type of traditional Korean patchwork, is framed in the material library. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Behind a patchwork third-string offensive line that was being worked, Martinez, who was sacked twice and avoided a handful more, made everyone hold their breath for three quarters. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 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