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 Users can create a variety of notes, including text, voice memos and checklists, which can be easily organized with labels and colors. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 In order to arrive at its unique fan blade design, Mahle used an AI engine to explore a variety of possible biomimetic options. New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024 The program will highlight a variety of accessible actions for audience members to take in making a positive impact on their communities and the planet. Jem Aswad, Variety, 24 Oct. 2024 That included increasing access to capital through a variety of laws and policies and addressing barriers to obtaining loans and grants. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 24 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 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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