kaleidoscope

noun

ka·​lei·​do·​scope kə-ˈlī-də-ˌskōp 

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

kə-ˌlī-də-ˈskä-pik 

adjective

kaleidoscopically

kə-ˌlī-də-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of kaleidoscope in a Sentence

The landscape was a kaleidoscope of changing colors.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, a kaleidoscope of creations have emerged from her hands over more than three decades. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025

The design creates a kaleidoscope effect that recalls the Saint-Tropez of Bardot’s era. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Walking through the rows of blooming tulips on this 300-acre farm is like being enveloped in a kaleidoscope of spring colors. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2025

But their journey is all show and no stakes, while the visuals are over-wrought with dizzying CGI dreamscapes like a kaleidoscope of colorful slop. —Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for kaleidoscope

• electroscope
• heliotrope
• laryngoscope
• ophthalmoscope
• oscilloscope
• polariscope
• stereoscope
• antelope
• bronchoscope
• cantaloupe
• cystoscope
• endoscope

Kids Definition

kaleidoscope

noun

ka·​lei·​do·​scope kə-ˈlīd-ə-ˌskōp 

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

-ˌlīd-ə-ˈskäp-ik 

adjective

kaleidoscopically

-ˈskäp-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Etymology

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