Illustration of patchwork
- patchwork 2
patchwork
noun
patch·work
ˈpach-ˌwərk 
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
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
The concept is nothing new, but over time a mix of lax enforcement, low investment and legal exceptions have led to a patchwork of laws that often prioritize parking over visibility.
—
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Inside, a vintage patchwork leather sofa informs elements like immersive black marble walls whose veins echo waves framed by glass walls.
—Will Speros, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Retail pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, where many Americans receive their vaccinations, are limiting vaccines or requiring prescriptions in certain states, depending on the patchwork of state rules.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This open-front sweater features a distinctive patchwork design and is made from a soft material blend.
—May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patchwork
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Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Inside, a vintage patchwork leather sofa informs elements like immersive black marble walls whose veins echo waves framed by glass walls.
—Will Speros, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Retail pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, where many Americans receive their vaccinations, are limiting vaccines or requiring prescriptions in certain states, depending on the patchwork of state rules.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This open-front sweater features a distinctive patchwork design and is made from a soft material blend.
—May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patchwork
Cite this Entry
“Patchwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchwork. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patchwork
noun
patch·work
ˈpach-ˌwərk
1
: something made up of various parts
2
: pieces of cloth of various colors and shapes sewn together usually in a pattern
patchwork
adjective
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