kaleidoscope

noun

ka·​lei·​do·​scope kə-ˈlī-də-ˌskōp How to pronounce kaleidoscope (audio)
1
: an instrument containing loose bits of colored material (such as glass or plastic) between two flat plates and two plane mirrors so placed that changes of position of the bits of material are reflected in an endless variety of patterns
2
: something resembling a kaleidoscope: such as
a
: a variegated changing pattern or scene
a kaleidoscope of colors
b
: a succession of changing phases or actions
a kaleidoscope of changing fashions
c
: a diverse collection
kaleidoscopic adjective
kaleidoscopically adverb

Examples of kaleidoscope in a Sentence

The landscape was a kaleidoscope of changing colors.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Skaters turned and arced, arced and turned, their jerseys, bright against the white ice, reorganizing like a kaleidoscope. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025 With a kaleidoscope of talent and areas of focus, KatVoix Academy is where all creatives, regardless of their goals, can find a guiding light to fulfillment. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 Katy Perry’s Super Bowl XLIX halftime show has gone down as the third most-watched to date, with a kaleidoscope of colors on stage mixed with surprise guests Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025 Truong keeps the signature kaleidoscope of colors on a white tip for a dynamic spin on the French mani. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kaleidoscope

Word History

Etymology

Greek kalos beautiful + eidos form + English -scope — more at idyll

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kaleidoscope was in 1817

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kaleidoscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kaleidoscope. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

kaleidoscope

noun
ka·​lei·​do·​scope kə-ˈlīd-ə-ˌskōp How to pronounce kaleidoscope (audio)
1
: a tube containing loose bits of colored glass or plastic and two mirrors at one end that shows many different patterns as it is turned
2
: a changing pattern or scene
3
: a diverse collection
a kaleidoscope of subjects
kaleidoscopic adjective
kaleidoscopically adverb
Etymology

from Greek kalos "beautiful" and Greek eidos "form, shape" and English -scope

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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