1. made up of many different types of people or things
2. having many different colors

1. the multicolored costume worn by a court jester
Usage: historical

Examples

• The conference attracted a motley group of scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs.
• A motley crew of volunteers helped clean up the park.
• The garden was filled with motley flowers of every color imaginable.
• She wore a motley scarf with bright patches of red, blue, and yellow.
• The medieval jester entertained the court in his traditional motley.
• The old trunk contained a motley collection of photographs and letters.
• A motley assortment of chairs surrounded the dining table.