variation

noun

var·​i·​a·​tion ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of varying : the state or fact of being varied

b

: an instance of varying

c

: the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies

2

: declination sense 6

3

a

: a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence

b

: a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function

4

: the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in such elements as rhythm, melody, harmony, key, tempo, and accompaniment

5

a

: divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average

b

: something (such as an individual or group) that exhibits variation

6

a

: a solo dance in classic ballet

b

: a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes

variational

ˌver-ē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

variationally adverb

Synonyms

• interpretation
• riff
• take

Examples of variation in a Sentence

the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story

the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color

Recent Examples on the Web

Use as a primary exterior color or for small details for slight variation. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 May 2025

The data reveals significant variation in how individuals maintain or develop their leadership capabilities over time. —Joseph Folkman, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

In a study published in the Journal of Animal Cognition by Hungarian scientists, pups were faced with different variations of the same physical challenge, passing through an opening in a wall, using openings of different sizes. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

Believe it or not, black, green, white, and oolong teas all start from the same humble Camellia sinensis plant; variations in oxidation, roasting, and drying take them in different directions for appearance and flavor. —Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English variacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French variacion "variance, discrepancy," borrowed from Latin variātiōn-, variātiō "diversification, divergence," from variāre "to make changeable, vary" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of deverbal nouns

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing variation

• direct variation
• inverse variation

Rhymes for variation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

variation

noun

vari·​a·​tion

ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən,

ˌvar-

1

a

: a change in form, position, or condition

b

: amount of change or difference

2

: the repeating of a musical passage with a change in rhythm, tune, harmony, or key

variations on a theme by Haydn

3

a

: change in the characteristics that are usual for a species or group

b

: an individual or group showing variation

variational

-shnəl

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

variation

noun

var·​i·​a·​tion ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən, ˌvar- 

1

: divergence in one or more characteristics of an organism or biotype from those typical of or usual for its group

2

: something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation

variational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective