patchwork

American  

[pach-wurk] / ˈpætʃˌwɜrk /

noun

1. something made up of an incongruous variety of pieces or parts; hodgepodge.

   a patchwork of verse forms.

   Synonyms:

   mélange, jumble, medley

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

---

adjective

1. resembling a patchwork, especially in being makeshift, irregular, or improvised.

   a patchwork policy of dispensing foreign aid.

verb (used with object)

1. to make as patchwork.

   She specializes in patchworking skirts.

2. to assemble or connect in making patchwork.

   to patchwork neckties into bedspreads.

patchwork British  

/ ˈpætʃˌwɜːk /

noun

1. needlework done by sewing pieces of different materials together

2. something, such as a theory, made up of various parts

   a patchwork of cribbed ideas

---

Other Word Forms

• patchworky adjective

Etymology

Origin of patchwork

First recorded in 1685–95; patch ¹ + work

Example Sentences

Researchers found that homeless liaisons often have to cross-check a patchwork of systems to confirm a student’s eligibility and status.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Instead, liquid water likely interacted with different parts of the asteroid under varying conditions, creating a patchwork of chemical environments.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

India's labour market remains a patchwork of uneven opportunities, the report says.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver blames the state-by-state patchwork governing sportsbooks, and both he and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred have called for federal legislation.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Her skin is a patchwork of colors—gray, white, beige—and wrinkled like a paper sack.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• jumble
• mishmash
• plaid
• tartan