patchwork

[ pach-wurk ]

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

/ 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 Words From

• patchworky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of patchwork¹

First recorded in 1685–95; patch ¹ + work

Example Sentences

The result was a patchwork of long-term measures like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, whose benefits won’t be felt until 2025 at the earliest, if at all.

From Salon

In England, there is a "complete patchwork" of access because decisions are made locally about what's funded, said Dr Catherine Hill from Fertility Network UK.

From BBC

Scientists curious about those sex differences—or perhaps just cat lovers—have spent more than 60 years unsuccessfully seeking the gene that causes orange fur and the striking patchwork of colors in calicos and tortoiseshells.

From Science Magazine

Experts on the subject said consolidating the region’s patchwork of small systems may be the key to rebuilding and maintaining them.

From Salon

Handwoven baskets are adorned with fringe made from strips cut from multicolor T-shirts, and patchwork hoodies feature the brand’s signature triangle motif.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• jumble
• mishmash
• plaid
• tartan