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.
Trains stopped in their tracks, stranding thousands of commuters, and internet and cellular coverage became patchy. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 16 May 2025 The post-chemo hair regrowth process — slow, uneven, patchy, lonely — has been more gutting because I’m supposed to be normal now. Maria Yagoda, Vox, 9 May 2025 After 13, protections become patchier and vary widely state-by-state. Lawrence Cappello, Time, 2 May 2025 Rain and another potential thunderstorm are forecast for the evening, with more patchy fog, wind gusts up to 35 mph, and lows in the upper 40s. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 15 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patchy. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

patchy

adjective
patchier; patchiest
: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork

More from Merriam-Webster on patchy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!