Potpourri is a word for a mixedmade from different kinds of items together collection of things. It can describe a varied assortmenta selection of different things gathered together in general, a musical medley made from several pieces, or a jar of dried petals and spices used for fragrancea pleasant smell, especially from flowers or spices.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-14. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˌpoʊpəˈri/
Easy pronunciation: po-puh-REE (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the last syllable: ree.
Use this pronunciation for the noun meaning a mixed collection of different things.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-14. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Potpourri Meaning
a mixed collection of different things
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
Example: The museum shop sold a potpourri of local crafts, books, and souvenirs.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- assortment — Works well for a general mixed collection.
- miscellany — A good formal synonym for a mixed collection.
- mixture — Can work, but it is broader and less specific.
- smorgasbord — Suggests a wide mixed selection, though often more informal.
- variety — Often works, but it is less precise than potpourri.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-14. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Potpourri
Meaning 2
a musical mix of different songs or pieces
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources
Example: The concert ended with a potpourri of Broadway tunes.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- medley — A direct synonym for a musical mix of pieces.
- pastiche — Can fit in music, but it often suggests imitation as well as mixing.
Meaning 3
a bowl or jar of dried petals and spices used to scent a room
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a jar of mixed flower petals and spices used as perfume
Example: She kept a potpourri of dried lavender and cinnamon on the shelf.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-14. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Potpourri Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- assortment
- miscellany
- smorgasbord
musical medley
- medley
- pastiche
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-14. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using potpourri only for the fragrance mixture and forgetting its broader sense of a mixed collection.
- Using medley for the general meaning of potpourri; medley is mainly used for music.
- Confusing potpourri with a simple synonym for perfume or scent.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-14. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does potpourri mean?
Potpourri usually means a mixed collection of different things. It can also mean a musical medley or a bowl or jar of dried petals and spices used to scent a room.
What are the best synonyms for potpourri?
For the main meaning, good synonyms include assortment and miscellany. For the music sense, medley is the best match.
Is potpourri always about fragrance?
No. The fragrance meaning is a separate sense. Potpourri is also commonly used for a mixed collection of items or ideas.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-14. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.