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

Boise State has partnered with CollectU to create a series of limited-edition items for purchase, including a swatch of the blue turf for $40. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2026

Any kind of media or color swatches that catch your eye can be included. —Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 9 Apr. 2026

Who hasn’t stood in front of a wall of swatches and broken out into a cold sweat, returning to the paint store two, three, even four times? —Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

Start with a small swatch on the back of your hand to spot-test, and if everything looks clear, apply the product once per day (or every other day) to make sure your skin is accepting it well. —John Monaco, InStyle, 1 Apr. 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