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

But health data collected by many wearable devices and health and wellness apps don’t fall under HIPAA’s umbrella, said Suzanne Bernstein, counsel at Electronic Privacy Information Center.

From Los Angeles Times

When he was sworn in again as a lawmaker in 2016, he released a balloon with a political banner and held a yellow umbrella, declaring that the “Umbrella Movement would never end”.

From BBC

During her acceptance speech she hit out against the tendency of Western award bodies to group all African artists under the umbrella of "Afrobeats" - a genre of music more associated with Nigeria and West Africa.

From BBC

Unlike many wealthy clients, he used the time to measure the room with his umbrella.

From BBC

Hard to tell, but from here on out, you may not need to because the two entities are poised to live under the same umbrella.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• shade