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.

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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

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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

They are famous for zealously shilling for their ad partners in an over-the-top way that borders on becoming a bit—although they have ceased to have advertisers now that they’re under the OpenAI umbrella.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

She spoke at a Democratic women’s meeting; then to a chapter of the group Drinking Liberally, part of the Living Liberally umbrella organization.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Corcoran, Century 21, and others are under the Anywhere umbrella.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Though the upcoming end of “The Late Show” in May seemed to signal a split between its host and Paramount, it seems he’ll be working under the Paramount umbrella once again.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

She twirled around and watched the full skirt swirl around her like an open umbrella.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

• shade