patchier; patchiest
1
: marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches
2
: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality
patchily adverb
patchiness 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.
But studies and reporting suggest many cases have gone undetected, because testing has been patchy. Amy Maxmen, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025 Freeze conditions for Citrus, Hernando and Pasco and patchy spots south of there will drop to 32 as well. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 His present form might be patchy, but his class is permanent. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 Read More The Best Mesh Wi-Fi Routers Forget about patchy internet connections and dead spots in the house. Kat Merck, WIRED, 17 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near patchy

Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

patchy

adjective
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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