variation

1 of 2

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

variational

2 of 2

adjective

var·​i·​a·​tion·​al

-shnəl

: of or relating to variation : characterized by variation

variationally

-shənᵊlē, 

-shnəlē, 

-i

adverb

Synonyms of variation

Noun

• interpretation
• take
• version

Examples of variation in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Consider that a larger mat size using the same graphic print as a smaller variation of the same product may have a lower final print quality due to the image resolution. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Factories need machines that can repeat tasks, recover from mistakes, and operate through ordinary variations in lighting, object placement, and workflow. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

Withholding his feelings and observations from family and lovers while sharing them with the outside world, Chen traces variations of longing and desire. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Variants Several variations of Lotería have been created over the years. — Sanat Pai Raikar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Noun

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

Phrases Containing variation

• direct variation
• inverse variation

Rhymes for variation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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