variegated

adjective

var·​ie·​gat·​ed ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgā-təd How to pronounce variegated (audio)
ˈver-i-ˌgā-
1
: having discrete markings of different colors
variegated leaves
2

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The Colorful History of Variegated

Variegated has been adding color to our language since the 17th century. It is used in botany to describe the presence of two or more colors in the leaves, petals, or other parts of plants, and it also appears in the names of some animals (such as the variegated cutworm). It can be used by the general speaker to refer to anything marked with different colors ("a variegated silk robe," for instance) or to things that are simply various and diverse ("a variegated collection"). Variegated has a variety of relatives in English—it is ultimately derived from the Latin root varius, meaning "varied," which also gave us vary, various, and variety.

Examples of variegated in a Sentence

the variegated costumes of the dancers in the nightclub a variety of variegated tulip that is highly prized by gardeners
Recent Examples on the Web The mix of new and older leaves produces a striking multicolor plant. ‘Lemon Meringue’ pothos is a new variegated variety that produces dark green leaves with gold-yellow edges. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2024 Acclaimed actor Ryu Seung-ryong, who’s starred in hit Korean films like Extreme Job and Miracle in Cell No. 7, even collaborated with Kang on the work, playing a key role in Moving as a show of his highly variegated abilities. Eda Yu, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2024 Look for variegated varieties for even more interesting leaves. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2023 Which is all the more reason to acknowledge the rich bounty of work in the variegated landscape of today’s off-Broadway. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2023 In this kitchen, the variegated glass tiles inspired the color scheme of warm grays, creams, and browns, which are also repeated in the recycled glass countertop. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2023 Bernarda’s daughters — played with variegated levels of rage by Lizzie Annis, Pearl Chanda, Rosalind Eleazar, Isis Hainsworth and Eliot Salt — chafe under their mother’s spiteful vigilance. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 6 Dec. 2023 Solid green and variegated varieties are available. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2023 This donation, announced in conjunction with the Arkansas Razorbacks homecoming football game last month, will allow pantry staff to increase accessibility to fresh produce, foods reflective of their cultures, and more variegated products, according to the university. Ryan Anderson, arkansasonline.com, 25 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'variegated.' 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

from past participle of variegate

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of variegated was in 1615

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Dictionary Entries Near variegated

Cite this Entry

“Variegated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variegated. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

variegated

adjective
var·​ie·​gat·​ed
ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgāt-əd,
ˈver-i-ˌgāt-,
ˈvar-
1
: having patches, stripes, or marks of different colors
variegated flowers
2
: full of variety
a variegated career

More from Merriam-Webster on variegated

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