noun, plural va·ri·e·ties.
- the state of being varied or diversified: to give variety to a diet.
- difference; discrepancy.
- a number of different types of things, especially ones in the same general category: a large variety of fruits.
- a kind or sort.
- a different form, condition, or phase of something: varieties of pastry; a variety of economic reforms.
- a category within a species, based on some hereditary difference.
- a type of animal or plant produced by artificial selection.
- 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), freak1(def 5).
- Also called variety 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
- of, relating to, or characteristic of a variety: a variety performer.
noun plural -ties
- the quality or condition of being diversified or various
- a collection of unlike things, esp of the same general group; assortment
- a different form or kind within a general category; sortvarieties of behaviour
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- taxonomya race whose distinct characters are insufficient to justify classification as a separate species; a subspecies
- horticulture stockbreedinga strain of animal or plant produced by artificial breeding
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- entertainment consisting of a series of short unrelated performances or acts, such as comedy turns, songs, dances, sketches, etc
- (as modifier)a variety show
1530s, from Middle French variété, from Latin varietatem (nominative varietas) “difference, diversity,” from varius “various” (see vary). In reference to “music hall or theatrical performances of a mixed nature,” first recorded 1868, American English.