patchier; patchiest
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.
My Farsi, the language of Iran, was patchy at best. Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 15 Oct. 2024 Clear skies and light, calm winds will lead to cooler conditions, patchy frost, and some patchy fog on Friday morning. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 11 Oct. 2024 There's a good chance for rain showers today, along with some patchy fog this morning. Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2024 The town is planning to overhaul its patchy road network in a bid to ease congestion. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 4 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near patchy

Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

patchy

adjective
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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