Definition

Adjective: 1. Having spots or patches (small areas of contrasting color or texture): Describes a surface that is marked with areas that differ from the main background in color, material, or condition. 2. Mended usually clumsily by covering a hole with a patch: Describes an item, typically fabric, that has been repaired by attaching a piece of material over a damaged area.

Usage Examples

• Having spots or patches:
  • The patched appearance of the meadow came from clumps of melting snow.
  • He wore an old, patched jacket of brown and grey fabric.
• Mended with a patch:
  • She wore her patched jeans with pride, each patch telling a story.
  • The patched sail held strong despite the earlier tear.

Advanced Usage

• "patched together": Often used figuratively to describe something assembled or repaired in a makeshift or improvised way from various parts.
  • The agreement was a patched-together compromise that pleased no one completely.
• Describing software or systems: In computing, "patched" refers to software that has been updated with a patch to fix a vulnerability or bug.
  • Make sure your operating system is fully patched against the latest threats.

Variants and Related Words

• Patch (noun/verb): The piece of material used for mending or the act of mending. (e.g., , ).
• Patchy (adjective): Existing or occurring in small, irregular areas; uneven in quality. (e.g., , ).
• Patchwork (noun): Something composed of miscellaneous or incongruous parts. (e.g., , ).

Synonyms

• Spotted: Marked with spots.
• Speckled: Covered with many small spots.
• Mended: Repaired.
• Darned: Repaired by stitching, often referring to socks.

Antonyms

• Unblemished: Not damaged or marked.
• Seamless: Smooth and continuous without visible joins.
• Pristine: In its original condition; unspoiled.

Related Phrases

• Patch things up: To settle a disagreement or reconcile. (This is a phrasal verb related to the verb "patch," not directly to the adjective "patched").
  • They finally patched things up after their argument.
• Not a patch on: An idiom meaning not nearly as good as.
  • This new version isn't a patch on the original film.

Adjective

1. having spots or patches (small areas of contrasting color or texture)
   • a field patched with ice and snow
   • the wall had a spotty speckled effect
   • a black-and-white spotted cow
2. mended usually clumsily by covering a hole with a patch
   • patched jeans