kaleidoscope

[ kuh-lahy-duh-skohp ]

noun

1. an optical instrument in which bits of glass, held loosely at the end of a rotating tube, are shown in continually changing symmetrical forms by reflection in two or more mirrors set at angles to each other.
2. a continually changing pattern of shapes and colors.
3. a continually shifting pattern, scene, or the like:

   The 1920s were a kaleidoscope of fads and fashions.

kaleidoscope

/ kəˈlaɪdəˌskəʊp; kəˌlaɪdəˈskɒpɪk /

noun

1. an optical toy for producing symmetrical patterns by multiple reflections in inclined mirrors enclosed in a tube. Loose pieces of coloured glass, paper, etc, are placed between transparent plates at the far end of the tube, which is rotated to change the pattern
2. any complex pattern of frequently changing shapes and colours
3. a complicated set of circumstances

Derived Forms

• kaˌleidoˈscopically, adverb
• kaleidoscopic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kaleidoscope¹

1817; < Greek kal ( ós ) beautiful + eîdo ( s ) shape + -scope

Word History and Origins

Origin of kaleidoscope¹

C19: from Greek kalos beautiful + eidos form + -scope

Example Sentences

It is a kaleidoscope of cultures, where Jewish, Bulgarian, Moldovan and Gagauz communities have mingled peacefully for centuries.

From Time

With their capacity to respond to positive environmental changes, North America could one day see a healthy monarch population that uses a kaleidoscope of spaces tended by people to feed, rest and reproduce.

From Popular-Science

Bake colorful kaleidoscope cookies with this adaptable marbled shortbread recipeWhole-Wheat Jam Thumbprints.

From Washington Post

Shortages of Clorox wipes, masks and other medical goods have evolved since then into a kaleidoscope of scarcity, with appliances, toys, industrial parts and semiconductors all proving hard to find.

From Washington Post

It’s an ever-expanding condiment kaleidoscope — and thanks to increased interest in fermentation from chefs and home cooks bolstered by pandemic-era cooking, North America’s artisanal vinegar industry has only begun to bloom.

From Eater

In all, the Kefauver High Kaleidoscope sold more than a million copies.

From The Daily Beast

Her aspirations were noble: Inject high art into pop music and create a Koons-esque kaleidoscope of dance tracks.

From The Daily Beast

The collection was visual poetry with the colors colliding and blending as if seen through an ever-spinning kaleidoscope.

From The Daily Beast

This dish is also a subtle kaleidoscope of wonderful flavors.

From The Daily Beast

The bottom of the bank was a constantly varying kaleidoscope of beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

The south transept window, although sheer kaleidoscope, is gay and attractive.

From Project Gutenberg

There moved before us a kaleidoscope of gay colors, over which breathed the fragrance of soft music.

From Project Gutenberg

You have often turned a kaleidoscope over and over, and watched the bits of coloured glass falling into strange patterns.

From Project Gutenberg

Half shut your eyes and make a tube of your hands and see if this doesn't remind you of a kaleidoscope.

From Project Gutenberg