patchwork

[ pach-wurk ]

/ ˈpætʃˌwɜrk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR patchwork ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

something made up of an incongruous variety of pieces or parts; hodgepodge: a patchwork of verse forms.

work made of pieces of cloth or leather of various colors or shapes sewed together, used especially for covering quilts, cushions, etc.

adjective

resembling a patchwork, especially in being makeshift, irregular, or improvised: a patchwork policy of dispensing foreign aid.

verb (used with object)

to make as patchwork: She specializes in patchworking skirts.

to assemble or connect in making patchwork: to patchwork neckties into bedspreads.

Nearby words

Origin of patchwork

First recorded in 1685–95; patch¹ + work

SYNONYMS FOR patchwork

1. medley, jumble, mélange.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR patchwork ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formspatch·work·y, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for patchwork

The lab opened the door to a patchwork of grants from around the world which allowed Lavie to begin auditioning actresses.
‘Zero Motivation’: the Funny Side of the IDF|Melissa Leon|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We have a patchwork system in which some people are covered, and others wait and wait.
Medicaid Will Give You Money for At-Home Care, but You Might Wait Years|Elizabeth Picciuto|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A patchwork of building shells and cratered streets, the city tells of a cyclical war, still smoldering.
Victims No More: Congo’s Badass Women Mechanics|Nina Strochlic|June 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Other parents use a patchwork of care with a different plan in place every day.
For Working Moms, One Sick Kid Can Spell Disaster|Danielle Shapiro|January 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Like a patchwork quilt we can cherry pick from the holiday the parts that nurture our well worn hearts.
Christmas Misfits Unite|Dr. Michelle K. London|December 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She got into bed and looked at Deirdre across the patchwork quilt, conscious of having performed her whole duty for the day.
The Pioneers|Katharine Susannah Prichard
I know one thing—I shall bring my crochet-work to-morrow, and my tatting, and my knitting-work, and my—patchwork!
Glory and the Other Girl|Annie Hamilton Donnell
"It's enough to drive a crazy lady mad," murmured the Patchwork Girl.
The Patchwork Girl of Oz|L. Frank Baum
In the middle of the path sat the Patchwork Girl, playing with pebbles she had picked up.
The Patchwork Girl of Oz|L. Frank Baum
Excited as I was over the patchwork of news, I laughed scornfully at Anthony's dream.
It Happened in Egypt|C. N. Williamson

British Dictionary definitions for patchwork

patchwork

/ (ˈpætʃˌwɜːk) /

noun

needlework done by sewing pieces of different materials together

something, such as a theory, made up of various partsa patchwork of cribbed ideas

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for patchwork