patch
Patch (noun) means a piece of material used to mend or cover a hole or damaged area. Example: “She sewed a patch over the hole in his jeans.”
How to use patch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA piece used to cover or fix a hole or flaw — literally in fabric or metal, or figuratively in software.
"Go through a rough patch" is an idiom meaning a difficult period, not a literal patch of ground.
Word forms
patched past tense, patches plural, patches plural, Patchs plural, Patches plural, patches singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She sewed a _____ over the hole in his jeans.
Etymology
From Middle English patche, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old English words for "spot" or "stain."
Related words
Rhymes for patch
See all rhymes for patch →Frequently asked questions
What does “patch” mean?
The word “patch” means a piece of material used to mend or cover a hole or damaged area. In plain terms, a piece used to cover or fix a hole or flaw — literally in fabric or metal, or figuratively in software.
How do you pronounce “patch”?
“Patch” is pronounced pach (/pæt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “patch” in a sentence?
Here is “patch” used in a sentence: “She sewed a patch over the hole in his jeans.”
What part of speech is “patch”?
Depending on how it is used, “patch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “patch” come from?
The word “patch” comes from Old English. From Middle English patche, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old English words for "spot" or "stain.".
Is “patch” a common word?
“Patch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “patch” have?
“Patch” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of material used to mend or cover a hole or damaged area.
What is a software "patch"?
In computing, a "patch" is a small update that fixes or improves part of a program, extending the idea of covering a damaged area. It repairs faults or security holes without replacing the whole system.
What is the difference between a "patch" and a "spot"?
Both can mean a small area distinct from its surroundings. A "patch" often suggests a larger or more irregular area, as in a patch of grass or a patch of fog, while a "spot" tends to be smaller and more sharply defined.
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