patchy

[ pach-ee ]

/ ˈpætʃ i /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR patchy ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective, patch·i·er, patch·i·est.

characterized by or made up of patches.

occurring in, forming, or like patches.

of inconsistent or irregular quality, texture, etc.; not uniform: patchy acting; patchy areas of fog.

Nearby words

patchen, patchogue, patchouli, patchstand, patchwork, patchy, patd, patd., pate, patella, patellar fossa of vitreous

Origin of patchy

First recorded in 1790–1800; patch¹ + -y¹

Related forms

patch·i·ly, adverbpatch·i·ness, noun

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

Examples from the Web for patchy

The population distribution of these marvelous creatures is patchy too.
William: We Must Not Let Lions Disappear|Tom Sykes|April 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
We know British intelligence at the time on WMD was "patchy and sporadic."
Tony Blair, Outcast|Andrew Neil|February 1, 2010|DAILY BEAST
In color he was superior, though somewhat violent at times, and in brush-work he was often labored and patchy.
A Text-Book of the History of Painting|John C. Van Dyke
These clouds extend in long horizontal streaks, thinning away at their base, and in parts becoming wavy or patchy.
The Reason Why|Anonymous

He played where the wickets were all patchy, and you had to watch the ball right on to the bat.
Danger! and Other Stories|Arthur Conan Doyle
Patchy had lately been reading the story of Joseph and his brethren.
The Riverpark Rebellion|Homer Greene
A patchy perspiration breaks out about the body and quarters, and the tail is outstretched and quivering.
Diseases of the Horse's Foot|Harry Caulton Reeks

British Dictionary definitions for patchy

patchy

/ (ˈpætʃɪ) /

adjective patchier or patchiest

irregular in quality, occurrence, intensity, etca patchy essay

having or forming patches

Derived Forms

patchily, adverbpatchiness, noun

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

patchy

adjective, patch·i·er, patch·i·est.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of patchy

Related forms

Examples from the Web for patchy

British Dictionary definitions for patchy

patchy

adjective patchier or patchiest

Derived Forms