# variegated

/ˈvɛɹɪɡeɪtɪd/ (US) · /vˈeəɹɪɡˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/variegated
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

having many different colours or patterns mixed together. You use it for leaves, cloth, or other things that are not one plain colour.

For teachers: showing patches, streaks, or spots of different colours; varied in appearance or character. Commonly describes foliage, fabric, or diverse collections.

## Examples

- The garden has variegated leaves in green and yellow.
- She chooses variegated yarn for the scarf to add subtle stripes of blue, grey, and cream.
- The hillside displayed a variegated tapestry of autumn fields, hedgerows, and stone cottages softened by morning mist.

## Synonyms

multicolored, mottled

## Antonyms

plain, solid, uniform

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.