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.
With low vaccination rates in their community and patchy coverage in Mexico at large, that measles case translated into a national outbreak. Katie Silver, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026 Kay visited a university snow observing site in the Rockies this week and found only patchy, slushy snow cover that was melting rapidly. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026 Some patchy inland fog was also possible, mainly across the interior and over on the southwestern coast of Florida. Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026 With the same concept as an exfoliating serum for your face—tackling hyperpigmentation, sloughing off patchy texture, controlling acne, and improving overall skin tone—exfoliation has gone full body with everything from sprays to buffing bars and serums. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

patchy

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

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