kaleidoscope
noun
ka·lei·do·scope
kə-ˈlī-də-ˌskōp 
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
Examples of kaleidoscope in a Sentence
The landscape was a kaleidoscope of changing colors.
Recent Examples on the Web
Today it is geared toward tourists but is still a kaleidoscope of people and goods — carpets, fabrics, ceramics and pottery, candy, spices and jewelry —particularly gold, which is popular among Turkish residents.
—
Terri Colby, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
In every other guest grouping, though, The White Lotus loops back to old patterns and types, shuffling around various characteristics and relationships like a kaleidoscope of privilege.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025
The novel is told from the points of view of different characters, all of whom view the fire and the boy’s tragic death through their own lens — which makes trying to piece together what actually happened like looking through a kaleidoscope.
—Robyn Gigl, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
An ingenious kaleidoscope of wordplay arguably akin in style to Lewis Carroll, the book, published in 1961, was an instant hit.
—Andy Webster, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
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Terri Colby, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
In every other guest grouping, though, The White Lotus loops back to old patterns and types, shuffling around various characteristics and relationships like a kaleidoscope of privilege.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025
The novel is told from the points of view of different characters, all of whom view the fire and the boy’s tragic death through their own lens — which makes trying to piece together what actually happened like looking through a kaleidoscope.
—Robyn Gigl, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
An ingenious kaleidoscope of wordplay arguably akin in style to Lewis Carroll, the book, published in 1961, was an instant hit.
—Andy Webster, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for kaleidoscope
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Dictionary Entries Near kaleidoscope
Cite this Entry
“Kaleidoscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kaleidoscope. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
kaleidoscope
noun
ka·lei·do·scope
kə-ˈlīd-ə-ˌskōp
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
Etymology
from Greek kalos "beautiful" and Greek eidos "form, shape" and English -scope
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