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.
After a patchy and inconsistent initial uptake beginning in 1918, the transportation industry successfully lobbied for uniform implementation in 1966. William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025 Stéphanie said some of her memories, like times and dates of the abuse, are patchy. Linda Hervieux, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2025 There are predictable patterns of eyebrow hair loss, like fading outer edges or patchy thinning in the center. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 Snowfall this year has been patchy; although there have been storms across the nation, dumping inches of powder everywhere from Vermont to New Orleans, On The Snow reports below-average snowfall at nearly all ski resorts. Anna Fiorentino, AFAR Media, 28 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

patchy

adjective
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork

More from Merriam-Webster on patchy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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