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

Curiosity Spot, aimed at children up to 9 years old but not age-restricted, will include a 15-foot-long immersive kaleidoscope structure, interactive self-portrait creation exhibit, and a science and art exhibit where children can build and play fiddles. —Bill Bowden, arkansasonline.com, 23 Oct. 2024

Like past years, the region will be set aglow, illuminated in a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2024

Lights dimmed, special kaleidoscope lantern that blasts colors and shapes transforming their bedroom walls and ceiling. —Charles Bock, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024

This website highlight areas of trees offering a kaleidoscope of colors and promotes state parks such as Victoria Bryant, James H. Floyd and Watson Mill Bridge. —Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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