variety

[ vuh-rahy-i-tee ]

noun

, plural va·ri·e·ties.

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. Compare error ( def 8 ), freak ¹( def 5 ).
8. Older Use. difference; discrepancy.
9. Also called variety show. entertainment of mixed character, consisting of a number of individual performances or acts, as of singing, dancing, or skits. Compare vaudeville ( def 1 ).

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 Note

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. collective noun.

Other Words From

• nonva·rie·ty noun plural nonvarieties
• over·va·rie·ty noun
• subva·rie·ty noun plural subvarieties

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

Other Christians belong to a variety of evangelical churches and other denominations, including the Anglican Church of Kenya and the Presbyterian Church.

From BBC

There has been little research on this particular variety, and it's unknown just how many genes they share with commercial peaches.

From Salon

The sushi joint serves sushi by the pound and offers over 30 sushi and nigiri varieties.

From Salon

Copper is an essential cofactor for a variety of enzymes that play a role in the growth and development of cells.

From Science Daily

The human skin is home to a wide variety of bacteria.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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