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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So unless Guerin has something unforeseen up his sleeve to add a center via trade, their best option could be in Tuesday’s opening of free agency, though the options remaining there aren’t exactly of the top-six variety. Michael Russo, New York Times, 28 June 2025 The loss of these vulnerable birds would greatly reduce the variety of avian sizes and shapes and would harm ecosystems as well as humans that depend on unique birds for vital ecosystem functions. Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Other varieties provide additional design elements such as interesting bark, colorful fruits, and fabulous fall foliage to enhance the garden all year long. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 June 2025 There are aspects of Freddy’s character — a victim of the foster system with a variety of unspecified social difficulties — that feel right on the verge of several stereotypes. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for variety

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

Cite this Entry

“Variety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variety. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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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