potpourri Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
    mixture; smorgasbord; variety; motley; miscellanea; mixed bag; salmagundi; miscellany; assortment.
    • a great assortment of cars was on display
    • he had a variety of disorders
    • a veritable smorgasbord of religions
  2. noun a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources
    pastiche; medley.
  3. noun a jar of mixed flower petals and spices used as perfume

WordNet

Pot`pour`ri" noun
Etymology
F., fr. pot pot + pourri, p. p. of pourrir to rot, L. putrere. Cf. Olla-podrida.
Definitions
  1. A medley or mixture. Specifically: (a) A ragout composed of different sorts of meats, vegetables, etc., cooked together. (b) A jar or packet of flower leaves, perfumes, and spices, used to scent a room. (c) A piece of music made up of different airs strung together; a medley. (d) A literary production composed of parts brought together without order or bond of connection.

Webster 1913