Patch

/pætʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A piece of material used to cover or mend a hole or a weak spot.

He sewed a patch on his jeans to cover the tear.

An area of ground, especially one used for a particular purpose.

They planted a vegetable patch in their backyard.

A small area that is different from the surrounding area.

We found a patch of wildflowers along the trail.

verb

To cover or mend something by applying a patch.

She patched the roof to prevent leaks during the rain.

To add or fix something in order to improve or repair it.

The software company released an update to patch the security vulnerability.

Middle English 'pacche', possibly of Old French origin.

patch things up

To repair a relationship or situation.

patchwork

A thing made up of various pieces or parts.

pothole patch

A temporary repair for a hole in a road.

safety patch

A temporary safety measure until a permanent solution is applied.

stitch

To sew a piece of fabric or material together.

mend

To repair something that is broken or damaged.

cover

To place something over or upon, as for protection.

A temporary solution.

Using duct tape was just a patch for the bigger issue.

To cover up a mistake.

He tried to patch his error in the report before submission.