View synonyms for umbrella

umbrella

[ uhm-brel-uh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a light, small, portable, usually circular cover for protection from rain or sun, consisting of a fabric held on a collapsible frame of thin ribs radiating from the top of a carrying stick or handle.
the saucer- or bowl-shaped, gelatinous body of a jellyfish; bell.
something that covers or protects from above, as military aircraft safeguarding surface forces:
an air umbrella.
any general kind of protection:
a price umbrella.
something, as an organization or policy, that covers or encompasses a number of groups or elements.

adjective

shaped like or intended to perform the function of an umbrella.
having the quality or function of covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items, elements, or groups:
an umbrella organization; umbrella coverage in an insurance policy.

umbrella

/ ʌmˈbrɛlə /

noun

a portable device used for protection against rain, snow, etc, and consisting of a light canopy supported on a collapsible metal frame mounted on a central rod
the flattened cone-shaped contractile body of a jellyfish or other medusa
a protective shield or screen, esp of aircraft or gunfire
anything that has the effect of a protective screen or cover
1. any system or agency that provides centralized organization or general cover for a group of related companies, organizations, etc
  dance umbrella
2. ( as modifier )
  umbrella group
  an umbrella fund

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Derived Forms

umˈbrella-ˌlike, adjective

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Other Word Forms

um·brella·less adjective
um·brella·like adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of umbrella¹

1600–10; 1965–70 umbrella fordef 7; < Italian ombrella, earlier variant of ombrello < Late Latin umbrella, alteration (with influence of Latin umbra shade) of Latin umbella sunshade. See umbel

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Word History and Origins

Origin of umbrella¹

C17: from Italian ombrella, diminutive of ombra shade; see umbra

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

All sorts of arrangements, varying significantly, can huddle under the umbrella vocabulary of a trade deal and this trio of agreements is very different.

From BBC

There is also talk of Poland being brought under the French military's "nuclear umbrella".

From BBC

It's a huge showroom of more than 75,000 shops where buyers come seeking just about everything, from twinkling Christmas lights and kitchenware to umbrellas and massage guns.

From BBC

You ignore it picking up while you make your nest: secure the corners of your blanket, adjust your umbrella and finally, comfortably recline.

From Salon

All of this falls under the umbrella of civil contempt.

From BBC

Related Words

shade

umbral umbrella bird

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