cobble together

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To put together (something) without adequate preparation or equipment; to improvise (something) minimally usable.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

As a Londoner and regular user since the 1980s, I remember how it was an awful, mismatched place cobbled together from various styles of architecture and which was anything but passenger friendly.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “cobble together” mean?

To put together (something) without adequate preparation or equipment; to improvise (something) minimally usable.

Is “cobble together” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.