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.
This red tide is extremely patchy, and many areas will not experience a problem even with an onshore wind. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 Running water supplies were also patchy in affected areas. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 29 Nov. 2024 Wednesday is warm and dry again after a patchy fog that cleared after sunrise. Garfield Hylton, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Nov. 2024 Between them is a patchy brown lawn with a playground and a slide. Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024 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 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

patchy

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