What does miscellany mean?
A miscellany is a collection or mixture of varied things, often a group of objects, writings, or other materials brought together because they are interesting or different rather than because they share one strict purpose. The expression "a miscellany of" is especially common for essays, stories, poems, and other written pieces gathered around a broad or loosely defined theme. A miscellany may sound more literary or refined than a simple "collection" or "assortment," but it can still be used for ordinary collections of objects. In its literary sense, the word describes a compilation containing pieces on different subjects, usually by more than one author. Historically, miscellanies were common formats for presenting miscellaneous information, short writings, and observations. Today, the word remains useful when the variety of the contents is the central idea.
nounA collection of miscellaneous items, especially a collection of writings on varied subjects. The word can also refer to a mixture or assortment of things.
- A collection of assorted items or writings.
- A mixture or assortment of things.
- A literary collection of essays, poems, or other works on varied subjects.
"The book is a miscellany of essays, anecdotes, and short stories by contributors from around the world."
"The exhibition presented a miscellany of paintings, photographs, and sculptures."
"Her anthology is a miscellany of poems selected from many different periods."
The plural is formed by adding -ies to the singular form and is used for separate collections or works.
"The library has several miscellanies of essays and short stories."
A miscellany is a word for a curious cabinet: many different things gathered under one roof.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does miscellany come from?
The word comes through French from Latin miscellanea, meaning "a mixture" or "a collection of miscellaneous things." Its ultimate root is the Latin miscellus, a combination of mis- meaning "mixed" and Latin miscēre, meaning "to mix." English developed both the noun miscellany and the adjective miscellaneous from this source, and the literary form miscellany was especially associated with collections of essays and other short writings.
Related word forms
How miscellany is actually used
Usually countable and used in the pattern "a miscellany of." It often suggests a collection whose contents are varied rather than unified by a single subject. In literary contexts, it can refer to a collection of miscellaneous essays or short pieces.
Easily confused with miscellany
A miscellany is a collection or mixture of items, whereas miscellaneous is normally an adjective meaning consisting of varied things.
A medley often combines different forms or styles in a performance or arrangement, while a miscellany more generally refers to a collection of varied items or writings.