variety

noun

va·​ri·​e·​ty və-ˈrī-ə-tē How to pronounce variety (audio)
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

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 In some cases, that also means finding leaders who can spearhead and drive the company’s overall approach to sustainability – a role that requires being able to collaborate and work across a wide variety of functions. Mary Foley, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 These are health care decisions that people are making for a variety of complex reasons. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 30 Sep. 2024 For an even more durable option from Merrell, Dr. Daughtry recommends the Moab 3, a burly—yet very comfortable—shoe that can tackle all varieties of terrain. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 30 Sep. 2024 The Spring/Summer 2025 collections showed a variety of jean fits as well as denim dresses, tops and outerwear to complete a head-to-toe look. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for variety 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'variety.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near variety

Cite this Entry

“Variety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variety. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

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 How to pronounce variety (audio)
plural varieties
: any of various groups of plants or animals ranking below a species : subspecies

More from Merriam-Webster on variety

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