variety
Americannoun
plural
varieties-
the state of being varied or diversified.
to give variety to a diet.
- Synonyms:
- multiplicity, diversity
- Antonyms:
- sameness
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a number of different types of things, especially ones in the same general category.
A variety of tropical plants dominate the hotel porch.
The variety of baked goods is impressive.
- Synonyms:
- group, collection, assortment
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a kind or sort.
This variety of yogurt is especially dense because it has very little whey.
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a particular form, condition, or phase of something.
Artistic pursuits of every variety are represented here.
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a category within a species, based on some hereditary difference.
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a type of animal or plant produced by artificial selection.
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Philately. a stamp differing from others of the same issue through an accident other than an error of an artist or printer.
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Older Use. difference; discrepancy.
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Also called variety show. entertainment of mixed character, consisting of a number of individual performances or acts, as of singing, dancing, or skits.
adjective
noun
-
the quality or condition of being diversified or various
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a collection of unlike things, esp of the same general group; assortment
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a different form or kind within a general category; sort
varieties of behaviour
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taxonomy a race whose distinct characters are insufficient to justify classification as a separate species; a subspecies
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horticulture stockbreeding a strain of animal or plant produced by artificial breeding
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entertainment consisting of a series of short unrelated performances or acts, such as comedy turns, songs, dances, sketches, etc
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( as modifier )
a variety show
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Usage
As a collective noun, variety, when preceded by a, is often treated as a plural: A variety of inexpensive goods are sold here. When preceded by the, it is usually treated as a singular: The variety of products is small. See also collective noun.
Other Word Forms
- nonvariety noun
- overvariety noun
- subvariety noun
Etymology
Origin of variety
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin varietās, equivalent to vari(us) various ( def. ) + -etās, variant of -itās -ity ( def. ) after a vowel
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
James Benedict is a graphics reporter for The Wall Street Journal in New York, where he specializes in data analysis and interactive design across a variety of topics.
Once optimized, the same procedure was applied to the remaining honey varieties.
From Science Daily
He added that the company was currently investigating a variety of technical solutions regarding water usage at the site.
From BBC
Outstanding live entertainment, variety, sketch, standup and talk series: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”
From Los Angeles Times
According to the department, helicopters are also deployed in a variety of support roles, including transporting supplies and serving as a commander’s eyes in the sky during special events.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
