1. a collection containing a variety of sorts of things;
"a great assortment of cars was on display"
"he had a variety of disorders"
"a veritable smorgasbord of religions"
2. noticeable heterogeneity;
"a diversity of possibilities"
"the range and variety of his work is amazing"
3. (biology) a taxonomic category consisting of members of a species that differe from others of the same species in minor but heritable characteristics;
"varieties are frequently recognized in botany"
4. a show consisting of a series of short unrelated performances
5. a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality;
"sculpture is a form of art"
"what kinds of desserts are there?"
6. a difference that is usually pleasant;
"he goes to France for variety"
"it is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic"