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variety

noun
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va·​ri·​e·​ty | \ və-ˈrī-ə-tē How to pronounce variety (audio) \
plural varieties

Definition of variety

1 : the quality or state of having different forms or types : multifariousness
2 : a number or collection of different things especially of a particular class : assortment
3a : something differing from others of the same general kind : sort
b : any of various groups of plants or animals ranking below a species : subspecies
4 : variety show
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Examples of variety in a Sentence

I was surprised by the variety of the choices that were available. My life needs more variety.
Recent Examples on the Web These are styles of wine and grape varieties that can’t always be found in other parts of the world. — Michael Alberty | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, "Trump’s import tariffs could cripple Oregon’s wine industry, limiting consumer choices, while sending prices soaring," 15 Jan. 2020 The daylily in all its rich variety was once the perennial to plant for its seemingly endless supply of showy blooms in the gathering heat of early summer. — Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, "The hellebore: Popular, early and now in a dazzling variety," 15 Jan. 2020 The win allowed him to purchase the 99-can variety pack for $89.99. — Kathy Flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "PBR's 99-can variety pack is bigger than you can imagine. Ask the guy who won the chance to get it home.," 14 Jan. 2020 And despite a variety of efforts underway to secure further investment and right the company’s financial ship. — Eric Adams, Wired, "Aston Martin's $189,000 DBX SUV Conquers the Arabian Desert," 14 Jan. 2020 There are a variety of destinations that beckon fun and tranquil vibes without partying college students. — Erica Lamberg, USA TODAY, "Spring break spots that are blissfully free of spring breakers, from Barbados to Portland," 14 Jan. 2020 The snail is an invasive variety and many were found. — ExpressNews.com, "Our top stories of the week, in photos," 13 Jan. 2020 But despite the variety of options, the Area 51 tour has become their signature trek. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE.com, "The Storming of Area 51: A Covert Journey to the Heart of America’s Worst-Kept Secret," 13 Jan. 2020 An intellectual air sign represented by scales, Libras value harmony, so their travel plans should strike a balance of tranquility and variety. — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, "Where To Travel In 2020 Based On Your Zodiac Sign," 11 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'variety.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of variety

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for variety

borrowed from Middle French or Latin; Middle French varieté, borrowed from Latin varietāt-, varietās, from varius "having contrasting colors, various entry 1" + -etāt- -etās, variant of -itās -ity

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Time Traveler for variety

Time Traveler

The first known use of variety was in the 15th century

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Statistics for variety

Last Updated

18 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Variety.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variety. Accessed 26 January 2020.

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More Definitions for variety

variety

noun
How to pronounce variety (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of variety

: a number or collection of different things or people
: the quality or state of having or including many different things
: a particular kind of person or thing

See the full definition for variety in the English Language Learners Dictionary

variety

noun
va·​ri·​ety | \ və-ˈrī-ə-tē How to pronounce variety (audio) \
plural varieties

Kids Definition of variety

1 : a collection of different things This store sells a variety of items.
2 : the quality or state of having different forms or types My diet lacks variety.
3 : something (as a plant or animal) that differs from others of the same general kind or of the group to which it belongs a variety of tulip
4 : entertainment made up of performances (as dances and songs) that follow one another and are not related

variety

noun
va·​ri·​e·​ty | \ və-ˈrī-ət-ē How to pronounce variety (audio) \
plural varieties

Medical Definition of variety

: any of various groups of plants or animals ranking below a species : subspecies

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More from Merriam-Webster on variety

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for variety

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with variety

Spanish Central: Translation of variety

Nglish: Translation of variety for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of variety for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about variety

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