swatch

noun

ˈswäch 

1

a

: a sample piece (as of fabric) or a collection of samples

b

: a characteristic specimen

2

: patch

3

: a small collection

4

: swath sense 2

Examples of swatch in a Sentence

She looked at fabric swatches to select material for the drapes.

Recent Examples on the Web

But as anyone who’s stared at a wall of swatches well knows, choosing the right shade can feel paralyzing. — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026

The Norwegians have come out in full force at AT&T Stadium with the stands bathed in red outside of a few swatches of orange for Ivory Coast fans. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026

Apply large swatches on multiple walls and observe them at different times of day, under both natural and artificial light. — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026

How to Perform a Tick Drag To perform a tick drag, put on your personal protective gear and then take a five-inch square swatch of a light-colored fabric, such as linen, and tie it to an 18-inch pole or stick. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for swatch

• boche
• botch
• brough
• crotch
• gotch
• notch
• rotch
• scotch
• watch
• butterscotch
• hopscotch
• stopwatch

Kids Definition

swatch

noun

ˈswäch 

1

: a sample piece (as of fabric) or a collection of samples

2

: patch entry 1 sense 3

swatches of hair