/ vəˈraɪəti; NAmE / noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ sing. ] variety (of sth) several different sorts of the same thing :
There is a wide variety of patterns to choose from.
He resigned for a variety of reasons.
This tool can be used in a variety of ways.
I was impressed by the variety of dishes on offer.
2.
[ U ] the quality of not being the same or not doing the same thing all the time
SYN diversity :
We all need variety in our diet.
We want more variety in our work.
3.
[ C ] variety (of sth) a type of a thing, for example a plant or language, that is different from the others in the same general group :
Apples come in a great many varieties.
a rare variety of orchid
different varieties of English
My cooking is of the 'quick and simple' variety.
4.
( NAmE also vaude·ville ) [ U ] a form of theatre or television entertainment that consists of a series of short performances, such as singing, dancing and funny acts :
a variety show / theatre
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IDIOMS
- variety is the spice of life
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: from French variété or Latin varietas , from varius changing, diverse.