assortment

[uh-sawrt-muhnt]

noun

1. the act of assorting; distribution; classification.

2. a collection of various kinds of things; a mixed collection.

assortment

/ əˈsɔːtmənt /

noun

1. a collection or group of various things or sorts

2. the act of assorting

Other Word Forms

• reassortment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of assortment¹

First recorded in 1605–15; assort + -ment

Example Sentences

"Freshers' flu is just an assortment of common cold viruses that come and hit us all at the same time," says Dr Zania Stamataki, associate professor of viral immunology at the University of Birmingham.

From BBC

Architectural blueprints, close-ups of Chicago’s brutalist and gothic buildings, colorful produce stands and assortments of raviolis flash in quick succession, revealing the sources of her creativity.

From Salon

Many posted about receiving broken items, mismatched materials and a random assortment of goods that definitely didn’t amount to the promised $300 value.

From Salon

Now an L.A.-based writer, director and producer, Rose, 41, recalls the Austin store’s eclectic assortment of cult oddities and world cinema.

From Los Angeles Times

Following the lead of Republicans and an assortment of right-wing hacks, Democrats and what’s left of the free press could ask some questions.

From Salon

Related Words

• array 
• collection 
• combination 
• hodgepodge 
• jumble 
• mishmash 
• mixture 
• selection 
• sort