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.
This can include interplanting grass with clover for more competitive plant coverage, dethatching and aerating lawns to boost grass health, and addressing turf diseases to naturally reduce patchy areas. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026 Truckee’s gauge stayed dry even as radar showed showers over the Martis Valley to produce some patchy fog there early Saturday. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 There are lots of brands that have worked to give us beautiful soft mattes that glide onto lids and don’t feel patchy or heavy like their previous counterparts. — Elle Turner, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026 Skies will be mostly sunny after patchy morning fog burns off. — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 28 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 3 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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