variety

American  

[vuh-rahy-i-tee] / vəˈraɪ ɪ ti /

noun

varieties plural

1. the state of being varied or diversified.

   to give variety to a diet.

   Synonyms:

   multiplicity, diversity

   Antonyms:

   sameness

2. 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

3. a kind or sort.

   This variety of yogurt is especially dense because it has very little whey.

4. a particular form, condition, or phase of something.

   Artistic pursuits of every variety are represented here.

   Synonyms:

   species, class, sort, kind

5. a category within a species, based on some hereditary difference.

6. a type of animal or plant produced by artificial selection.

7. Philately. a stamp differing from others of the same issue through an accident other than an error of an artist or printer.

8. Older Use. difference; discrepancy.

9. Also called variety show.  entertainment of mixed character, consisting of a number of individual performances or acts, as of singing, dancing, or skits.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a variety: variety performers.

   a variety store;

   variety performers.

variety British  

/ vəˈraɪɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being diversified or various

2. a collection of unlike things, esp of the same general group; assortment

3. a different form or kind within a general category; sort

   varieties of behaviour

4. 1. taxonomy a race whose distinct characters are insufficient to justify classification as a separate species; a subspecies

   2. horticulture stockbreeding a strain of animal or plant produced by artificial breeding

5. 1. entertainment consisting of a series of short unrelated performances or acts, such as comedy turns, songs, dances, sketches, etc

   2. ( 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

Explanation

Variety is a quality similar to diversity or difference. Some feel having variety in life is much more exciting than doing the same routine day in and day out. You’ve likely heard the expression “variety is the spice of life” to describe how our days are more interesting when different things happen. Variety can also describe different things that are classified under one category or type, like varieties of apple — granny smith, pink lady, or red delicious. A variety show is entertainment that includes a number of different and unrelated acts, like fire eaters, string bands, comedians, lounge singers, and spoon players.

Example Sentences

Trade magazine Variety credits some of its popularity to an exceptional performance by star Inde Navarrette that "demands awards attention."

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

In an interview with Variety in April, she explained how her health struggles, coupled with her breakup from partner Lance Armstrong, pushed her to reevaluate her living situation.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Joe also has been a senior writer at Variety and Entertainment Weekly.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

So far, reviews for the film have been mostly positive - with Variety describing it as "a sequel made with intelligence and respect for both its predecessor and the legions who still love it".

From BBC • May 1, 2026

For instance, you knew that Mrs. Harkness would call the police if you stepped on her lawn, and that at Schmitt’s Variety Store you’d get cheated out of small change if you weren’t careful.

From "The Egypt Game" by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Related Words

• assortment
• brand
• breed
• category
• character
• description
• kind
• nature
• quality
• strain