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

Many pothos plants have variegated leaves and, if the variegation is missing, there's possibly an issue. —Heather Bien, The Spruce, 7 June 2026

Focus On Ferns The base of this summer-loving pot is a ‘Kimberly Queen’ fern with trailing kangaroo paw ferns, light variegated ivy, ‘Florida Moonlight’ caladiums, and maidenhair ferns tucked around it. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

On the other hand, white variegated hosta with extensive white coloration or with thin leaves are likely to burn in full sun. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026

There are several cultivars of weigela (Weigela florida)—look for varieties with burgundy, variegated, or chartreuse foliage. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 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