variegate

verb

var·​ie·​gate ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgāt  ˈver-i-ˌgāt 

variegated; variegating

transitive verb

1

: to diversify in external appearance especially with different colors : dapple

2

: to enliven or give interest to by means of variety

variegator

ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgā-tər 

ˈver-i-ˌgā-

noun

Examples of variegate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their sizes range from 4 inches to 4 feet tall, and their heart- and lance-shaped leaves can be smooth, wavy, or variegated. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026

Modern and postmodern life is too variegated. —Shayla Love, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026

Pittosporum tobira is available in both solid green and variegated (grayish-green and cream-colored foliage) versions. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Feb. 2026

Pothos is a popular houseplant favored for its glossy green or variegated leaves. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin variegātus, past participle of variegāre "to diversify with different colors," from varius "having contrasting colors, various entry 1" + -egāre, variant of -igāare, verb suffix based on -ig-, nominal derivative of agere "to drive, do," as in rēmig-, rēmex "oarsman," hence rēmigāre "to row" — more at agent

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1