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 )

      an umbrella fund

      umbrella group

Other Word Forms

• umbrellaless adjective
• umbrellalike adjective
• umbrella-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of umbrella¹

1600–10; 1965–70 umbrella for def. 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

He invested in telecom, filmmaking, concert promotion and Formula One racing, combining them under the umbrellas of Liberty Media, Liberty Global and other related companies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Likes, comments and shares — which come under the “engagement” umbrella term — numbered in the thousands for the first six videos.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Pictures of the event posted online showed the participants carrying umbrellas painted to look like watermelons, a symbol associated with the Palestinian cause.

Read more on BBC

But they are both diagnosed under the same broad umbrella of autism spectrum disorder.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She made headlines with incidents like shaving her head and hitting a photographer's car with an umbrella.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• shade