variegate

verb

var·ie·gate ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgāt

ˈver-i-ˌgāt

variegated; variegating

Synonyms of variegate next

transitive verb

: to diversify in external appearance especially with different colors : dapple

: to enliven or give interest to by means of variety

variegator

ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgā-tər

ˈver-i-ˌgā-

noun

Examples of variegate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

And there was considerable evidence of current ideas on baroque performance practice: buoyant rhythms, variegated (not absolute) legato, sparing string vibrato. —

Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 13 Mar. 2023 Take Cues from the Landscape For this garden door container, red-orange copperleaf and variegated sea hibiscus tie into the color of a nearby Japanese maple. —

Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2023 Pesto Perpetuo’ basil grabs attention right away thanks to its upright growth and variegated leaves. —

Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2020 These wings are variegated and flecked with pigment, taking on the radiant transparency of monochrome stained glass. —

Daisy Alioto, The New York Review of Books, 27 Mar. 2020 See all Example Sentences for variegate

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin variegātus, past participle of variegāare "to diversify with different colors," from varius "having contrasting colors, various entry 1" + -egāre, variant of -igāare, verb suffix based on -ig-, nominal derivative of agere "to drive, do," as in rēmig-, rēmex "oarsman," hence rēmigāre "to row" — more at agent