What does patch mean?
A patch is a small piece of material used to cover, mend, or strengthen a damaged surface, such as a hole in a garment, roof, or piece of equipment. The word also refers to a small area that differs from its surroundings, including a patch of grass, snow, light, or discoloration. In medicine and related contexts, a patch may be a covering applied to the skin or over an eye. In computing, a patch is an update that corrects software defects, improves performance, or addresses security problems; the related verb means to apply such an update. The general verb "to patch" means to mend or cover something, while "patch up" can suggest a temporary or incomplete repair. Because the word links both physical and digital correction, it remains useful for describing the principle of covering a flaw and making something whole again.
A small piece of material attached to cover, mend, or strengthen a damaged surface; a small contrasting area; a medicinal or cosmetic covering; an eye covering; or a software update.
"The package included a patch for the software's security flaw."
In computing, the word commonly denotes a corrective or corrective-and-improving update.
To mend, cover, or repair something with a patch; to apply a software update; or, informally, to manage a difficult situation.
"They patched the broken fence with wire and timber."
The phrase "patch up" often suggests a temporary or incomplete repair and can mean to manage a situation informally.
Used for separate pieces used to repair or cover surfaces, distinct areas, coverings, or software updates.
"The installer downloaded several patches for the operating system."
The word "patch" links repairing a hole in clothing with updating software: both involve adding something that covers, corrects, or strengthens what is already there.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patch come from?
The word entered Middle English in forms such as "patche," with senses connected with a piece of cloth or a mend and later with putting something over a damaged area. Its modern computing sense developed from the established metaphor of a patch as something applied to mend or correct an existing fault. The verb "to patch up" also grew from the older idea of making a repair, often a temporary one.
Related word forms
How patch is actually used
In computing, "patch" is widely used for a corrective or corrective-and-improving software update. The phrase "patch up" can mean to make a temporary repair, and can also mean to manage a difficult situation informally. The noun "patch" is common for a small contrasting area, such as "a patch of blue sky," while the medical sense may be formal or less common in general speech.
Easily confused with patch
A pact is an agreement or treaty, whereas a patch is a piece used to mend a surface or, in computing, an update that fixes or improves software.