patchy

adjective

ˈpa-chē How to pronounce patchy (audio)
patchier; patchiest
Synonyms of patchynext
1
: marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches
2
: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality
patchily
ˈpa-chə-lē How to pronounce patchy (audio)
adverb
patchiness
ˈpa-chē-nəs How to pronounce patchy (audio)
noun

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
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.
Talk to your doctor if hair loss is severe, patchy, or doesn’t improve after six months. — Parents, 25 June 2026 The top players’ form is patchy or simply undefined. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 27 June 2026 Their efforts initially met only patchy success. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 12 June 2026 Overwatering, watering at the wrong time of day, and relying on inefficient habits can all drive up your water bill—not to mention leave your grass weaker, patchier, and more vulnerable to disease. — Cori Sears, The Spruce, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for patchy

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patchy was in 1583

Rhymes for patchy

See All Rhymes for patchy

Browse Nearby Words

patchwork quilt
patchy
patd
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

patchy

adjective
ˈpach-ē How to pronounce patchy (audio)
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork

More from Merriam-Webster on patchy

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for patchy

Nglish: Translation of patchy for Spanish Speakers

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