patchy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈpa-chē How to pronounce patchy (audio)
patchier; patchiest
Synonyms of patchy
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

patchiness

2 of 2

noun

patch·​i·​ness -chēnə̇s How to pronounce patchiness (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being patchy

Examples of patchy in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
These outplacements are often enormously expensive, and state relief is patchy, meaning districts end up eating the cost themselves. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026 Plan on patchy dense fog giving way to sunshine on Thursday morning. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 But domestic interpretations of international laws often vary, which can lead to patchy protection of human rights. — Mary Lind, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 Its patchy, matt grey bodywork absorbed the strip light and didn’t give much back. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patchy

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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 31 Oct. 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

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