variegated

adjective

var·​ie·​gat·​ed ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgā-təd 

ˈver-i-ˌgā-

1

: having discrete markings of different colors

variegated leaves

2

: varied sense 1

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The Colorful History of Variegated

Variegated has been adding color to our language since the 17th century. It is used in botany to describe the presence of two or more colors in the leaves, petals, or other parts of plants, and it also appears in the names of some animals (such as the variegated cutworm). It can be used by the general speaker to refer to anything marked with different colors ("a variegated silk robe," for instance) or to things that are simply various and diverse ("a variegated collection"). Variegated has a variety of relatives in English—it is ultimately derived from the Latin root varius, meaning "varied," which also gave us vary, various, and variety.

Synonyms

• chromatic
• colored
• colorful
• kaleidoscopic
• motley
• multicolored
• multihued
• polychromatic
• polychrome
• prismatic
• rainbow
• varicolored
• varied
• various

Examples of variegated in a Sentence

the variegated costumes of the dancers in the nightclub

a variety of variegated tulip that is highly prized by gardeners

Recent Examples on the Web

Types of Holly Used in Holiday Decor Two main types of holly with red berries shine in winter floral arrangements, wreaths and garlands, and Christmas centerpieces to bring the outside in with red, green and, in the variegated types, gold. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024

Tune into nature Photo: Nils Timm Channel natural elements by adding a variegated Ceppo di Gris into the surround. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024

The 13,000-square-foot spread enchants from the exterior, sporting a variegated stone facade and slate roof. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2024

The boycotting campaign on the part of Robby Starbuck, a member of the variegated galaxy of American Conservatism, has hit its mark. —Anna Zanardi Cappon, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of variegate

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing variegated

• variegated cutworm

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Kids Definition

variegated

adjective

var·​ie·​gat·​ed

ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgāt-əd,

ˈver-i-ˌgāt-,

ˈvar-

1

: having patches, stripes, or marks of different colors

variegated flowers

2

: full of variety

a variegated career