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View synonyms for

variety

[ vuh-rahy-i-tee ]

noun

plural varieties.
  1. the state of being varied or diversified:

    to give variety to a diet.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms:

  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: , ,

  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: , , ,

  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

/ əˈɪɪɪ /

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

    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
    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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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.
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Other Word Forms

  • ԴDzv··ٲ noun plural nonvarieties
  • v···ٲ noun
  • ܲv··ٲ noun plural subvarieties
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Word History and Origins

Origin of variety1

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin , equivalent to vari(us) various ( def ) + -, variant of - -ity ( def ) after a vowel
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Word History and Origins

Origin of variety1

C16: from Latin , from various
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"Florence combines relatability with talent and star power, and she appeals to a wide variety of audiences thanks to balancing superhero movies and sci-fi with thoughtful dramas," Ms Smith said.

From

The supermarket is popular in Canada for fresh produce and a variety of hot food cooked on site, including Asian street food and staples such as Peking duck.

From

Taylor Tomlinson, the comedian and writer who has hosted the CBS talk and variety show “After Midnight” for two seasons, has lived in Los Angeles for nine years.

From

In smaller towns, especially those without department stores, Shein and Temu offer something tangible: affordability, variety and sizing that other brands often overlook, which can be an attractive and convenient option.

From

Sales volumes climbed 0.4% last month, the Office for National Statistics said, with the sunshine helping a variety of sectors.

From

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varietalvariety is the spice of life