patchy

adjective

ˈpa-chē How to pronounce patchy (audio)
patchier; patchiest
Synonyms of patchynext
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.
If your boards look washed out, gray, or patchy compared to when they were first finished, the protective layer is wearing thin. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 Unfortunately, using too little paint will leave patchy areas and harsh lines, and using too much paint will promote drips and paint that sags. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 6 July 2026 If your lawn is patchy, gets heavy foot traffic, or could use some extra TLC, overseeding twice a year can help. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 July 2026 The viscosity is relatively thicker, which is necessary to keep the pigment from running or becoming patchy. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 4 July 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 15 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of patchy for Spanish Speakers

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