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.
Each evening, the crystal-clear water erupted in a kaleidoscope of bioluminescence, while Reiki students could dig up amethyst and tourmaline from crystal seams that crisscrossed the island. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025 Writers manipulate language to perfect timing and cadence, to create a kaleidoscope of ideas and images. Elizabeth Brown, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025 Our students, who come from different backgrounds and fields, such as political science and engineering, offer a kaleidoscope of perspectives. Mark Robert Rank, The Conversation, 3 Jan. 2025 Laser focused on showing the essence of barley using a kaleidoscope of barley flavors, an elegant barrel influence that supports the barley rather than outshining it. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kaleidoscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kaleidoscope. Accessed 29 Mar. 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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