patchier; patchiest
Synonyms of patchynext
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.
Nice spring weather Monday in Baltimore metro After a chilly start to the morning Monday with patchy areas of fog, the weather now looks outstanding for the rest of the day. Steven Sosna, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 But, right now, most employer plans offer pretty patchy coverage of GLP-1s. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Inside, the rooms look as old as the exterior, but in an open, unfussily modern way, with wide, wooden floorboards from old growth trees and patchy plaster walls. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 23 Apr. 2026 The Olay Super Serum Body Cream is formulated with powerful ingredients that tackle different elements of rough, patchy skin. Claire West, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

patchy

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

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