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

Some versions of this small evergreen shrub have variegated leaf margins. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026

Some plants sport variegated yellow and green foliage while others have dark green or chartreuse leaves. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025

But Teva never goes wrong in that realm and uses its own Lite-Comf midsole for a cushiony step, along with a patented universal heel lock system and Vibram grip for traction on the outer, so there’s no reason to teeter, even on multiple-day hikes who variegated terrain. —Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2025

And there was considerable evidence of current ideas on baroque performance practice: buoyant rhythms, variegated (not absolute) legato, sparing string vibrato. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 13 Mar. 2023

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