variety

[vuh-rahy-i-tee]

noun

plural

varieties 

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.

adjective

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

   a variety store;

   variety performers.

variety

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of variety¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin varietās, equivalent to vari(us) various ( def. ) + -etās, variant of -itās -ity ( def. ) after a vowel

Word History and Origins

Origin of variety¹

C16: from Latin varietās, from _various

Example Sentences

The hypnotic tune with a memorable “nah na na na nah” chorus earned them appearances on TV music variety programs like “American Bandstand.”

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond the vast knowledge accumulated about its genetics and the tools that make it easy to engineer, the bacterium grows quickly and predictably on a wide variety of substrates.

From BBC

A variety of factors have been at play: Regional airports have seen an uptick in passenger counts, suggesting a greater draw in the Los Angeles region for travelers hoping to avoid LAX.

From Los Angeles Times

The pressure was high during Bread Week as the bakers vied for a Paul Hollywood handshake after making a variety of, well, bread.

From Salon

It offers a variety of bachelor’s and associate degrees in areas including film, film production and animation, with tuition ranging between $40,000 and $80,000.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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