patchwork

noun

patch·​work ˈpach-ˌwərk How to pronounce patchwork (audio)
Synonyms of patchworknext
often attributive
1
: something composed of miscellaneous or incongruous parts : hodgepodge
2
: pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together to form a covering
also : something resembling such a covering
a patchwork of fields

Illustration of patchwork

Illustration of patchwork
  • patchwork 2

Synonyms of patchwork

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Examples of patchwork in a Sentence

The valley is a patchwork of family farms. A patchwork of laws prevent the land from being developed. a patchwork system of laws
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.
In designing the collection, Zankov combed Banana Republic’s archives and selected pieces to reinterpret with his own signature elements including unexpected color and patchwork construction. — David Moin, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Some say this has led to an inconsistent patchwork of rules where some states have strict regulations and others have little to no oversight. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 State lawmakers have already begun to pass a patchwork of laws that either expand or rein in how AI can be used in health care. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026 But surrogacy laws vary by state, creating a patchwork with respect to enforceability. — Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patchwork

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patchwork was in 1634

Phrases Containing patchwork

Rhymes for patchwork

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Browse Nearby Words

patch up
patchwork
patchwork quilt
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Cite this Entry

“Patchwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchwork. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

patchwork

noun
patch·​work ˈpach-ˌwərk How to pronounce patchwork (audio)
1
: something made up of various parts
2
: pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together usually in a pattern
patchwork adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on patchwork

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patchwork

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