rainbow

1 of 2

noun

rain·​bow ˈrān-ˌbō 

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

: rainbow trout

rainbowlike

ˈrān-ˌbō-ˌlīk 

adjective

rainbow

2 of 2

adjective

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

Adjective

• chromatic
• colored
• colorful
• kaleidoscopic
• motley
• multicolored
• multihued
• polychromatic
• polychrome
• prismatic
• varicolored
• varied
• variegated
• various

Examples of rainbow in a Sentence

Adjective

the rainbow costumes worn by mummers at Mardi Gras

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rainbow

• rainbow fish
• rainbow runner
• rainbow trout

Kids Definition

rainbow

noun

rain·​bow

ˈrān-ˌbō

: an arc or circle of colors that appears in the sky opposite the sun and is caused by the sun shining through raindrops, spray, or mist

Medical Definition

rainbow

noun

rain·​bow ˈrān-ˌbō 

slang

: a combination of the sodium derivatives of amobarbital and secobarbital in a blue and red capsule