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

Century launched petrified wood dining and occasional tables with live edges and a variegated wood grain in shades of brown, black and tan. —Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 12 May 2025

Altogether, San Marcos grows six different Echium varieties, including San Bruno Pink and two varieties with variegated foliage. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 May 2025

Meanwhile, Kohl will be in residence at the Hungry Brain every Thursday in July, allowing audiences to take in the variegated facets of her music. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025

The iconic chair references artisanal African designs—the double trestle structure with rounded backing and variegated wood gives the chair an organic look, and highlights the chair’s handcrafted quality. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025

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