umbrella

[ uhm-brel-uh ]

noun

1. 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.
2. the saucer- or bowl-shaped, gelatinous body of a jellyfish; bell.
3. something that covers or protects from above, as military aircraft safeguarding surface forces:

   an air umbrella.

4. any general kind of protection:

   a price umbrella.

5. something, as an organization or policy, that covers or encompasses a number of groups or elements.

adjective

1. shaped like or intended to perform the function of an umbrella.
2. 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

1. 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
2. the flattened cone-shaped contractile body of a jellyfish or other medusa
3. a protective shield or screen, esp of aircraft or gunfire
4. anything that has the effect of a protective screen or cover
5. 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

Derived Forms

• umˈbrella-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of umbrella¹

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

Example Sentences

Inc., an umbrella nonprofit created to fundraise for his initiatives.

From Salon

He has unlimited immunity for anything that falls under that enormous umbrella.

From Salon

The numbers of those serving today who would come under the umbrella of what might be described as a "diverse" military are so enormous that we wouldn’t have a military without those patriotic volunteers.

From Salon

Today the numbers of those serving who would come under the umbrella of what might be described as a "diverse" military are so enormous that we wouldn’t have a military without those patriotic volunteers.

From Salon

When a reporter noted that Japan and South Korea might build their own nuclear arsenals if they started doubting the reliability of the U.S. security umbrella, Trump replied that maybe they should.

From Slate

Related Words

• shade