variegation

noun

var·​ie·​ga·​tion ˌver-ē-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce variegation (audio)
ˌver-i-ˈgā-
: the act of variegating : the state of being variegated
especially : diversity of colors

Examples of variegation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Also, keep in mind that the new plants may not have the same color or variegation as the mother plant. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026 Thousands of poinsettias—in shades of red, pink, white, and variegations—flare against indoor gardens' tropical foliage. Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 9 Apr. 2026 Euonymous has dozens of cultivars, growing from two to 12 feet tall, all with leathery leaves, and many with green and gold or green and white variegations. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Feb. 2026 New leaves often show the strongest variegation. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variegation

Word History

Etymology

varieg(ate) + -ation

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of variegation was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Variegation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variegation. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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