variation

noun

var·​i·​a·​tion ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce variation (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of varying : the state or fact of being varied
b
: an instance of varying
c
: the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies
2
3
a
: a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence
b
: a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function
4
: the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in such elements as rhythm, melody, harmony, key, tempo, and accompaniment
5
a
: divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average
b
: something (such as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
6
a
: a solo dance in classic ballet
b
: a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes
variational adjective
variationally adverb

Examples of variation in a Sentence

the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color
Recent Examples on the Web For 2024, the laptop comes with Apple’s new M3 processor with two variations, which the company says is 60 percent faster than the M1 chip and up to 13 times faster than the Intel Core i7 processor. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 All of the regional metro numbers were also adjusted for seasonal variations. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 The mailbox comes in two size variations, one vertical and one horizontal. Samantha S. Thorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 More successful is the idea that Dean, TJ and Wes stunted their own maturity by clinging to this lie for so long (the trio’s performances are revealing variations on the man-child syndrome). Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 There are many variations of VRS, some with different questions and others with scales ranging from 0 to 10 or 0 to 15. Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2024 There’s definitely variation—some still do far too little—but for many, the hours keep going up. Saul Austerlitz, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024 Next came the challenge of color matching the veneer with the rest of the interior—a task that was particularly difficult because of the huge variations in color and grain structure on the same log of wood. Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Mines generally exhibit different heat transfer properties than the surrounding ground, leading to slight temperature variations. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'variation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English variacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French variacion "variance, discrepancy," borrowed from Latin variātiōn-, variātiō "diversification, divergence," from variāre "to make changeable, vary" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of deverbal nouns

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of variation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near variation

Cite this Entry

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

variation

noun
vari·​a·​tion
ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən,
ˌvar-
1
a
: a change in form, position, or condition
b
: amount of change or difference
2
: the repeating of a musical passage with a change in rhythm, tune, harmony, or key
variations on a theme by Haydn
3
a
: change in the characteristics that are usual for a species or group
b
: an individual or group showing variation
variational
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

variation

noun
var·​i·​a·​tion ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən, ˌvar- How to pronounce variation (audio)
1
: divergence in one or more characteristics of an organism or biotype from those typical of or usual for its group
2
: something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
variational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on variation

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