variety show

Meaning

A 'variety show' is an entertainment program that features a mix of different acts, such as comedy sketches, musical performances, magic tricks, and interviews. These shows are usually hosted by a master of ceremonies and are designed to offer diverse entertainment in a single broadcast.

Examples

• The old-fashioned variety show used to be the main highlight of Saturday night television.

  The old-fashioned variety show used to be the main highlight of Saturday night television.

• She performed a stand-up comedy routine on a popular late-night variety show.

  She performed a stand-up comedy routine on a popular late-night variety show.

• Korean variety shows have gained massive international popularity over the last decade.

  Korean variety shows have gained massive international popularity over the last decade.

• The charity event was organized like a classic variety show with singers, dancers, and comedians.

  The charity event was organized like a classic variety show with singers, dancers, and comedians.

• I love watching variety shows because you never get bored of just one type of performance.

  I love watching variety shows because you never get bored of just one type of performance.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We watched a variant show last night.

  ✓ We watched a variety show last night.

  'Variant' means a different form or version of something. The correct term for a multi-act entertainment program is 'variety show'.

• ✗ He is the host of a famous varieties show.

  ✓ He is the host of a famous variety show.

  'Variety' acts as an adjective here and must remain singular, not plural 'varieties'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The school hosted a ___ featuring student musicians, dancers, and actors.

  💡 A program with diverse entertainment acts.

  Show answer

  variety show

• Many famous musicians got their big break by appearing on a Sunday night ___.

  💡 A mixed entertainment broadcast.

  Show answer

  variety show