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

Derived Forms

• nonvariety
  noun
• overvariety
  noun
• subvariety
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• varieties
  plural

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

See Examples For:

variety varieties

Musically, the Shears brothers aren’t shy about how their variety of influences affects their output.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

The Kremlin has denied that online platforms are used for army supplies, but a variety of military-related goods such as body armour are on sale, alongside items with both civilian and drone-production applications.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

Mamdani last week also issued a 23-point plan to address a variety of other renter complaints, including strengthening the city’s ability to take legal action against negligent landlords with numerous safety violations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

But he stressed that a variety of catalysts could unlock value, even for companies that weren’t clear targets for acquirers.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026

“No great variety of faces for you,” said Emma.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Each species was then exposed to 39 commercially used sweeteners, including both natural and artificial varieties.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

On those rented 50 acres, Mora grows three varieties of plums, as well as peaches and nectarines.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026

Unlike taquitos, flautas are typically longer and traditionally made with flour tortillas, though some varieties also call for corn tortillas.

From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2026

Also on the heavily discounted list are premium varieties like Black Thorn, but the cheapest are the "kampung durians", which are so low on the pecking order that they are yet to be named.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

Different varieties of the same species replace each other among the kidney beans, lima beans, the chili pepper Capsicum annuum / chinense, and the squash Cucurbita pepo.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

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