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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An ingenious kaleidoscope of wordplay arguably akin in style to Lewis Carroll, the book, published in 1961, was an instant hit. Andy Webster, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 There’s a kaleidoscope of butterflies and a spot where the starring model falls into her friends’ arms. Jennifer Weil, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025 Brody’s performance is a mesmerizing kaleidoscope that conveys all of this. Wendell Steavenson, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2025 There’s so much more fun to be had in the kaleidoscope she’s created now. Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for kaleidoscope 

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 29 Jan. 2025.

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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