WordValepatch
a small update fixing bugs or security flaws
In more detail
1. (noun) a small piece of material used to cover or repair a hole or damaged area
2. (noun) a small area of something, especially land
3. (noun) a piece of software that fixes problems in a program
4. (verb) to repair something by covering a hole with a piece of material
Examples
- He sewed a patch over the hole in his jeans.
- There was a small patch of grass in the backyard.
- The company released a security patch to fix the bug.
How to use patch
Patch as a noun refers to a small, distinct area or a piece used to mend something, commonly appearing in contexts ranging from agriculture to computing. As a verb, it means to repair something temporarily or incompletely, often implying a quick fix rather than a permanent solution. The phrase 'patch things up' means to resolve a conflict.
Common phrases
- patch of land
- patch of grass
- patch things up
- software patch
- eye patch
- apply a patch
Synonyms
piece · section · fix · repair · mend
Word family
patcher · patchy · patched
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'patch' for large areas when it specifically denotes small, limited areas; also confusing 'patch' (temporary fix) with 'update' (which may be more comprehensive).
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