The meaning of VARIATION is the act or process of varying : the state or fact of being varied. How to use variation in a sentence.

A variation also is a difference, or a thing that differs slightly from another of its type:

var•i•a•tion (ˌvɛər iˈeɪ ʃən) n. 1. the act or process of varying: prices subject to variation. 2. an instance of this: a variation in quality. 3. amount of change: a temperature variation of 20°. 4. a different form of …

Definition of variation noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [countable, uncountable] variation (in/of something) a change, especially in the amount or level of something. The dial records …

VARIATION meaning: 1 : a change in the form, position, condition, or amount of something often + in often + in; 2 : something that is similar to something else but different in some way often + on

Variation refers to a change or difference in condition, amount, or level, typically within certain limits. In biology, it refers to any difference between cells, individual organisms, or groups of organisms of any …

Jan 20, 2026 · Noun variation (usually uncountable, plural variations) The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing.

A variation on something is the same thing presented in a slightly different form.

There are 28 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun variation, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

The act, fact, or process of varying; change or deviation in form, condition, appearance, extent, etc. from a former or usual state, or from an assumed standard. The degree or extent of such change. A thing …