1
: an arc or circle that exhibits in concentric bands the colors of the spectrum and that is formed opposite the sun by the refraction and reflection of the sun's rays in raindrops, spray, or mist
2
a
: a multicolored array
b
: a wide assortment or range
a rainbow of flavors
3
[from the impossibility of reaching the rainbow, at whose foot a pot of gold is said to be buried]
: an illusory goal or hope
4
1
: having many colors
2
: of, relating to, or being people of different races (see race entry 1 sense 1a) or cultural backgrounds
a rainbow coalition
Synonyms
Examples of rainbow in a Sentence
Adjective
the rainbow costumes worn by mummers at Mardi Gras
Recent Examples on the Web
Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
Grand Prismatic Spring, the third largest hot spring in the world and one of Yellowstone's top attractions, looked particularly magical as the overcast skies muted its rainbow colors and heavy steam shrouded the site.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024
Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
The Garvin flies both a rainbow Pride flag and a Black Lives Matter flag, prompting the occasional shouted slur.
—Brian Owens, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for rainbow 
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Noun
Refracted rainbows dance against the wallpaper and floor.
—Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
Grand Prismatic Spring, the third largest hot spring in the world and one of Yellowstone's top attractions, looked particularly magical as the overcast skies muted its rainbow colors and heavy steam shrouded the site.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Suspended from the fashionable wooden arch are a teething ring, crinkly rainbow, rattle, mirror, and plush moon to promote hand-eye coordination.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
The Garvin flies both a rainbow Pride flag and a Black Lives Matter flag, prompting the occasional shouted slur.
—Brian Owens, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for rainbow
Dictionary Entries Near rainbow
Cite this Entry
“Rainbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainbow. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
rainbow
noun
rain·bow
ˈrān-ˌbō 
slang
: a combination of the sodium derivatives of amobarbital and secobarbital in a blue and red capsule
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