Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

variation

 - definition
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun American English pronunciation: variation /ˌveriˈeɪʃ(ə)n/ 
Word Forms
Close
singularvariation
pluralvariations
  1. 1
    [singular/uncountable] the existence of differences in amount, number, level, form, etc.
    wide/considerable variation:

    There is considerable variation in size, method of construction, and design.

    It’s an issue around which there is a wide variation of opinion.

    variation between/among:

    There is, of course, variation between individual people and situations.

    variation in:

    Research has shown wide variation in the rate that children learn.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  variationThesaurus entry for this meaning of variation
    1. a.

      variations

       [plural] differences in amount, level, etc.

      These foods are not influenced by seasonal variations.

      variation in:

      The spacecraft is specially insulated against extreme variations in temperature.

      variation within:

      There are significant variations within these broad groups.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  variationThesaurus entry for this meaning of variation
  2. 2
    [countable] something that is slightly different from similar things
    variation on/of:

    The dessert is a variation on a classic recipe.

    a variation on a theme (=a slightly different form of the same basic thing):

    There are several variations on this theme, all with advantages and disadvantages.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  variationThesaurus entry for this meaning of variation
    1. a.
      music a piece of music that is based on or is similar to another piece
      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  variationThesaurus entry for this meaning of variation

This is the American English definition of variation. View British English definition of variation.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

vocal fry

a speech habit in which a speaker lowers their voice at the end of a sentence

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day Word of the Day

zeugma

the use of a word twice in the same sentence but with different meanings. The sentence ‘She...

Open Dictionary

conflict mineral

a mineral which is mined in a place where there is armed conflict, and sold to help pay for weapons

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog