umbrella

American  

[uhm-brel-uh] / ʌmˈbrɛl ə /

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 British  

/ 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

• umbrella-like adjective
• umbrellaless adjective
• umbrellalike adjective

Etymology

Origin of umbrella

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

Example Sentences

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting said it is dissolving the 58-year-old nonprofit umbrella organization that oversaw government funding for the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the summer, he uprooted and paved over the iconic Rose Garden with flagstones and café style tables, replete with umbrellas, inspired by his Mar-a-Lago club.

From Salon

The Joint Forces -- an umbrella organisation of armed groups fighting alongside the army -- said they had "achieved sweeping field victories in the North Kordofan axis".

From Barron's

While it is preferable for crypto to be under rather than outside the regulatory umbrella, until the industry is comprehensively regulated, new and dangerous risks will continue entering the financial system.

From The Wall Street Journal

For those who are unaware, dementia is an umbrella term covering as many as 100 diseases that could cause symptoms consistent with cognitive decline.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• shade