patchy

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

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.
Noah Okafor is, arguably, the club’s best player there, but his pre-season started late after Switzerland’s World Cup run and his own injury record is patchy. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In cool climates, sow fresh grass seed every autumn to fill in bare or patchy areas. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026 All accommodations come without telephones or TVs – and cell service is blissfully patchy, with signals interrupted by Mount Babel. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026 From the Peterbald’s varied coat types to the Lykoi’s patchy, wolfish look, these cats differ in their origins, genetic traits, body structures and day-to-day grooming needs. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 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

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 1 Sep. 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for patchy

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