variation

noun

var·​i·​a·​tion ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce variation (audio)
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
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 adjective
variationally adverb

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 No matter how traditional recipes differ, combining lentils and rice always results in a dish that’s thrifty, hearty and infinitely adaptable, inspiring as many appealing variations as there are inventive cooks. Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024 Swiss Army Knives come in a wide range of sizes and with a multitude of tool variations included. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024 The cases over state laws and the one being argued March 18 are variations on the same theme, complaints that the platforms are censoring conservative viewpoints. Mark Sherman, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2024 There’s a great deal of variation among women for all kinds of reasons. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 15 Mar. 2024 There’s a lot of variation from state to state regarding the car insurance rate increases that drivers are facing. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 Legend, 45, went for a slight variation on the classic look, sporting wide-legged trousers. Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024 For 2024, the laptop comes with Apple’s new M3 processor with two variations, which the company says is 60 percent faster than the M1 chip and up to 13 times faster than the Intel Core i7 processor. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 All of the regional metro numbers were also adjusted for seasonal variations. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'variation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of variation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near variation

Cite this Entry

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variation. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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- How to pronounce variation (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on variation

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