variation
noun
var·i·a·tion
ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən 
1
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
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
It was reported that Rollins is believed to have hurt his arm after performing a coast-to-coast variation that ended in a headbutt.
—
Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
Lenzing accomplished this aesthetic by cutting our fibers into varied lengths, mimicking the natural variation that happens in grown fibers like cotton or hemp.
—Carved, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
Available in 12 faux hair and thong color variations with straight and curly textures, the thongs are currently sold out on the Skims website.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
The 42-year-old reality star took to her Instagram to celebrate the new launch with a close-up video of each thong variation.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for variation
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Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
Lenzing accomplished this aesthetic by cutting our fibers into varied lengths, mimicking the natural variation that happens in grown fibers like cotton or hemp.
—Carved, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
Available in 12 faux hair and thong color variations with straight and curly textures, the thongs are currently sold out on the Skims website.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
The 42-year-old reality star took to her Instagram to celebrate the new launch with a close-up video of each thong variation.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for variation
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
variation
noun
var·i·a·tion
ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən, ˌvar-
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
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