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

The brand even now has dedicated fan pages, including Colourpop WOC and Emma’s account, consumers who have dedicated themselves to the brand and keeping up with every release, and providing swatches and creating bright and bold looks. —Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Papers spilled across the surface in swatches of cloud white, charcoal gray and sandstone beige. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 June 2025

The company, which specializes in sports and performance fabrics, showed off swatches of water-repellent fabric that had the feel of crisp poplin. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 June 2025

Monochrome doesn’t have to mean identical swatches—slight shifts in tone and an interplay of patterns, like gingham or small-scale florals, can create dimension and prevent the room from feeling one-note. —Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 21 June 2025

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