patch

[pætʃ]

patch Definition

• 1. a piece of material used to mend a tear or hole, or to strengthen a weak point
• 2. a small area of something, especially one that is different from the area around it
• 3. a period of time during which a particular problem or difficulty occurs

Using patch: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "patch" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I need to sew a patch onto my jeans.

• Example

  There's a patch of grass in the middle of the sidewalk.

• Example

  We went through a rough patch in our relationship.

• Example

  The software needs a patch to fix the bug.

patch Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for patch

• piece
• segment
• section
• spot
• area

Antonyms for patch

• whole
• entirety

Idioms Using patch

• a patch on

  not nearly as good as someone or something else

  Example

  As a singer, she's not a patch on her mother.

• hit a rough patch

  experience a difficult or challenging period of time

  Example

  After the divorce, he hit a rough patch and struggled to get back on his feet.

• put a patch on

  fix or repair something temporarily

  Example

  We don't have time to replace the tire, so let's just put a patch on it for now.

Phrases with patch

• rough patch

  a difficult or challenging period of time

  Example

  After losing his job, he went through a rough patch.

• on the patch

  addicted to drugs, especially heroin

  Example

  He's been on the patch for years and can't seem to quit.

• patch up

  repair or restore something to good condition

  Example

  We need to patch up the roof before the rainy season starts.

Origins of patch

from Middle English 'pacche', meaning 'a piece of cloth'

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Summary: patch in Brief

The term 'patch' [pætʃ] refers to a piece of material used to mend or reinforce something, or a small area that differs from its surroundings. It can also denote a period of difficulty or a software update. Examples include 'I need to sew a patch onto my jeans,' and 'We went through a rough patch in our relationship.' Phrases like 'on the patch' and idioms like 'a patch on' extend its meaning to addiction and comparison, respectively.