kaleidoscope

noun

ka·​lei·​do·​scope kə-ˈlī-də-ˌskōp How to pronounce kaleidoscope (audio)
1
: an instrument containing loose bits of colored material (such as glass or plastic) between two flat plates and two plane mirrors so placed that changes of position of the bits of material are reflected in an endless variety of patterns
2
: something resembling a kaleidoscope: such as
a
: a variegated changing pattern or scene
a kaleidoscope of colors
b
: a succession of changing phases or actions
a kaleidoscope of changing fashions
c
: a diverse collection
kaleidoscopic adjective
kaleidoscopically adverb

Examples of kaleidoscope in a Sentence

The landscape was a kaleidoscope of changing colors.
Recent Examples on the Web Teeming with wildlife, including colorful coral, a kaleidoscope of fish, sea turtles, and sharks, the reef system is one of the star attractions in Cozumel and diving is a top priority for visitors. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024 The op art movement is palpable in the shoe with its kaleidoscope pattern of graphic and leather stripes, as well as the zebra print, Felloni’s nod to visual optics in play. Allyson Portee, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2024 What’s perhaps most beautiful (in addition to learning that the collective noun for butterflies is a kaleidoscope)? Longreads, 1 Mar. 2024 The trailer is a kaleidoscope of color as audiences get their first introduction into director Jon M. Chu’s world of Oz, with massive fields of flowing flowers, the Emerald City and fantastical landscapes showcased throughout. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 11 Feb. 2024 Peak colors arrived about 10 to 15 minutes before official sunup near 7:07 a.m., but the kaleidoscope of yellows, oranges, reds, purples and blues went on for more than 30 minutes. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024 Outdoor Easter Tree Set the mood with a kaleidoscope of cheery butterflies for Easter tree decorations. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2024 The collaborative album is a kaleidoscope of features and cuts from the vast web of Bennett’s network, including Durk, Keef, JID, Kid Cudi, Lil Yachty, Lil B, Juicy J, Cordae, Latto, Joey Badass and Eminem. Dan Rys, Billboard, 6 Feb. 2024 Housed within a historic hacienda-style home in downtown Todos Santos, this shop is a kaleidoscope of colorful clothing, jewelry, perfume, incense, and other treasures waiting to be dug up from underneath the heaping piles. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kaleidoscope.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek kalos beautiful + eidos form + English -scope — more at idyll

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kaleidoscope was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near kaleidoscope

Cite this Entry

“Kaleidoscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kaleidoscope. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kaleidoscope

noun
ka·​lei·​do·​scope kə-ˈlīd-ə-ˌskōp How to pronounce kaleidoscope (audio)
1
: a tube containing loose bits of colored glass or plastic and two mirrors at one end that shows many different patterns as it is turned
2
: a changing pattern or scene
3
: a diverse collection
a kaleidoscope of subjects
kaleidoscopic adjective
kaleidoscopically adverb
Etymology

from Greek kalos "beautiful" and Greek eidos "form, shape" and English -scope

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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