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

• 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

Tucked into the heart of south-central England, the Cotswolds is a patchwork of golden-stone villages, rolling hills, and historic estates that stretch across five counties. —Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

Thrift stores are also a good source for small crafts and patchwork projects that don't require a lot of yardage. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025

Researchers say patchwork laws to regulate the fees haven’t kept up. —Maite Amorebieta, NBC news, 24 July 2025

But despite the optimism, Asia's patchwork of jurisdictions presents risks for private credit investors — namely, currency fluctuations, legal enforcement issues, regulatory uncertainty, and lack of transparency in some markets — all of which can complicate deals and undermine returns. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 24 July 2025

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