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

Her solution was to make a variation of the dress while remaining true to Cassie’s character. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 June 2026

The variation turned out to be no more than 30 percent. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 9 June 2026

The variations are endless, but like certain dance steps, there are a few rules of thumb to follow to create the perfect bite. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 9 June 2026

These rates were fairly consistent, with relatively small variation, among men and women. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 June 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