patchier; patchiest
Synonyms of patchynext
1
: marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches
2
: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality
patchily adverb
patchiness noun

Examples of patchy in a Sentence

The lawn is kind of patchy this year. Patchy fog made driving difficult. His knowledge of the language is patchy. She has only a patchy understanding of his condition.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Patchy fog is forecast Sunday night, with patchy morning fog and partly cloudy conditions Monday. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026 After patchy freezing fog in the morning, the rest of the day should have sunnier skies to help melt the remaining ice. Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026 Briceno warns that loading on the lip tint can lead to product transfer, harsh edges, and a patchy finish. Grace McCarty, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026 There are isolated areas of patchy freezing fog this morning, but otherwise conditions will be partly cloudy, mild and breezy into the afternoon. Michael Autovino, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patchy

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patchy was in 1583

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

patchy

adjective
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork

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