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

Related Words

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