patchier; patchiest
1
: marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches
2
: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality
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
Meanwhile, a winter weather advisory means that light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could make travel difficult if precautions are not taken.
—
Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Some patchy dense fog has reduced visibility in spots.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
Overnight, patchy fog will form again in some parts of the metro.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025
An effective waterproof base about the thickness of a coating of paint was produced after three days of fungus growth in warm conditions, and by the fourth day the coating produced patchy yellow, orange or tan markings.
—New Atlas, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patchy
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Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Some patchy dense fog has reduced visibility in spots.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
Overnight, patchy fog will form again in some parts of the metro.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025
An effective waterproof base about the thickness of a coating of paint was produced after three days of fungus growth in warm conditions, and by the fourth day the coating produced patchy yellow, orange or tan markings.
—New Atlas, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patchy
Cite this Entry
“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patchy
adjective
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork
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