variety

noun

va·​ri·​e·​ty və-ˈrī-ə-tē 

plural varieties

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

3

a

: 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

Synonyms

• diversity
• diverseness

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

Water sources, indigenous barley varieties, a hot climate, and seasonal changes resulting from the monsoon cycle contribute to the unique regional signatures. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Each three-pack is available in a variety of sizes, including small, medium, large, and more, and comes in more than four color options, too (although prices vary by style and size). —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025

Dahlias are one of the most popular flowers in the garden because of their many varieties and colors, their long blooming period, and their beauty in floral arrangements. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 July 2025

Panda continues to trial Asian, Australian and domestic varieties, with an eye toward optimizing fiber quality for its process. —Kasi Martin, Sourcing Journal, 9 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing variety

• garden-variety
• sub-variety
• variety is the spice of life
• variety meat
• variety show
• variety store

Rhymes for variety

• anxiety
• impiety
• propriety
• satiety
• sobriety
• society
• antianxiety
• intersociety
• contrariety
• impropriety
• inebriety
• notoriety

Kids Definition

variety

noun

va·​ri·​ety

və-ˈrī-ət-ē

plural varieties

1

: the quality or state of having different forms or types

2

: a number or collection of different things : assortment

3

a

: something differing from others of the class to which it belongs

b

: any of various groups of plants or animals within a species that are separated from other groups by characteristics not constant enough or too unimportant to separate species

Medical Definition

variety

noun

va·​ri·​e·​ty və-ˈrī-ət-ē 

plural varieties

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