patchwork

[ pach-wurk ]

/ ˈpætʃˌwɜrk /

SEE 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.

Words nearby patchwork

patch-up, patchen, patchogue, patchouli, patchstand, patchwork, patchy, patd, patd., pate, patella

Origin of patchwork

First recorded in 1685–95; patch¹ + work

SYNONYMS FOR patchwork

1 medley, jumble, mélange.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR patchwork ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM patchwork

patch·work·y, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

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

patchwork

noun

adjective

verb (used with object)

Words related to patchwork

Words nearby patchwork

Origin of patchwork

SYNONYMS FOR patchwork

OTHER WORDS FROM patchwork

Examples from the Web for patchwork

British Dictionary definitions for patchwork

noun