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

Hogle Zoo always offers a range of special October events for spooky season, and Snowbird’s annual Oktoberfest features live music, family-friendly activities, traditional Bavarian food, and more than 50 varieties of beer for the grownups. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025

In photos from this period, his thin frame has filled out, his hair is pomaded, and his mustache is of the pencil-thin, Clark Gable variety. —David Kamp, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025

In addition to blankets, Degreff suggests adding a textured rug and a variety of throw pillows to your space. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025

Cava for Megan and sherry for me—a variety called Manzanilla, which is beautifully dry and best served cold. —Fiona Mozley, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 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