C1noun1K

Patch

UK /["/pætʃ/"]/US /["/pætʃ/"]/

Definition

a small area of something, especially one which is different from the area around it

In simple words: A piece of material used to cover or repair something.

Examples

  • She sewed a colorful patch on the hole in his jeans.
  • The software company released a patch to fix the security vulnerability.
  • The gardener planted a patch of vegetables in the backyard.
  • After the storm, a patch of clear sky appeared in the distance.
  • He applied a patch to his jacket to cover the torn fabric.
  • The doctor placed a nicotine patch on the patient's arm to help quit smoking.
  • Farmers observed a patch of soil with poor drainage affecting crop growth.
  • The developers issued a patch that improved the app’s performance.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts, such as sewing, software updates, or fixing problems. Avoid using in formal writing unless referring to specific technical contexts.

Grammar pattern

patch + object

Memory hint

Imagine a patch on a torn shirt holding it together.

Collocations

  • irregular
  • clear
  • coloured/​colored
  • in patches
  • patch of
  • patch on
  • a patch of colour/​color
  • have
  • sew on/​onto
  • patch on
  • sport
  • wear
  • sew on
  • patch on
  • isolated
  • grassy
  • bare
  • patch of
  • bad
  • difficult
  • rocky
  • go through
  • have
  • hit
  • patch of
  • security
  • apply
  • deploy
  • download

Synonyms

  • piece
  • repair
  • fix
  • mend
  • cover

Antonyms

  • whole
  • unbroken

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'match' in spelling.
  • Using 'patches' incorrectly as a uncountable noun.
  • Mistakenly thinking 'patch' only refers to clothing.