variety

American  

[vuh-rahy-i-tee] / vəˈraɪ ɪ ti /

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 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

---

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

Example Sentences

Almost 700 varieties of mango are cultivated across India, with each region having its own dominant variety.

From BBC

Dr. Chen said the findings will support the development of commercial banana varieties that can withstand Fusarium wilt.

From Science Daily

In implementing PSI, the U.S. relied on a variety of authorities and techniques to conduct interdictions, including “ship-boarding agreements” with “flag of convenience” states, which allow foreign-owned ships to register under their flag.

From The Wall Street Journal

The new engine proposal came on the same day as the F1 Commission discussed a variety of issues that have arisen from the first running of the cars under the new rules introduced this year.

From BBC

There are a variety of trusts your parents can choose from, including matching a beneficiary’s income dollar for dollar and/or providing funds for further education, the law firm adds.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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