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 Exhibition curated by Zito Madu features objects and installations that explore transformation represented in a variety of media. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 24 Mar. 2024 There will be a bit more variety this time with this launch. Chris Morris, Fortune, 22 Mar. 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 29 Mar. 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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