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 of variation

• interpretation
• take
• version

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

Using Rebel Pink in Your Home The joyous hue is already showing off at IKEA storefronts, as some of the retailer’s products proudly offer a Rebel Pink variation, from mirrors to plant pots and serving dishes. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025

Planck's primary mission was to measure the temperature of the CMB, with scientists aiming to use this data to better understand tiny variations in the CMB, which could point to the composition of the early universe. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Dec. 2025

The entire hour plays with variations on interpersonal connection, sometimes in brief interactions between strangers, sometimes about parenting and childhood, and sometimes seen through Wood’s experience of fame, but the bubble-man story is Wood at his most personal and captivating. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025

Throughout the Scripps deal discussions, Sinclair proposed three different variations of a transaction, including different stipulations of who would remain as CEO and whether the deal would be structured as a merger or an acquisition, said the people familiar. —Lillian Rizzo,alex Sherman, CNBC, 2 Dec. 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