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

There is a sense of anticipation as plants return from one year to the next, often with surprising variations in color or form from the natural diversity found in seed. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

Clamps — There are honestly too many variations of clamps to name, from Cardellinis to Mafers, with each having a specific purpose, whether that be holding gels to lights or needing an item held in the perfect position. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 17 May 2025

One Del Mar group, the Coalition for Safer Trains, wants none of the above and is pushing for its own variation of the San Dieguito bridge to I-5 route. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025

Low-top variations of Air Jordan sneakers have historically been hit-or-miss with fans, but the Air Jordan 11 is usually an exception. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 14 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