C2adverbformalenvironmentacademic
US/ˈpætʃ.ɪ.li/
UK/ˈpætʃ.ɪ.li/
in an uneven way, with some parts good, present or covered and other parts not
In context
The paint had been applied patchily, so the old color showed through.
Rain fell patchily across the valley, so some farms stayed dry.
Snow lay patchily on the hills, and the grass was still green below.
Words that go with patchily
adverb + verb
- patchily distributedThe rainfall was patchily distributed across the region.
- patchily coveredThe ground was patchily covered with frost.
- patchily appliedThe glue was patchily applied, so the tiles came loose.
- patchily enforcedThe law has been patchily enforced in rural areas.
verb + adverb
- grow patchilyMoss tends to grow patchily on north-facing walls.