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
ka·lei·do·scop·ic
-pēk
variants
or less commonly kaleidoscopical
-pə̇kəl,
-pēk-
1
: of, relating to, or formed by a kaleidoscope
gazed raptly at the kaleidoscopic patterns within the instrument
2
: having changing tints or variegated color
kaleidoscopic color of the clouds at sunset
3
a
: constantly changing : rapidly shifting
air was fretted with a kaleidoscopic network of swifts … with swallows, martins, and if late enough, nighthawks—William Beebe
a year of kaleidoscopic change, of breathtaking developments crowding so rapidly one upon the other—Allan Taylor
b
: having infinite variety : possessing many facets
such a being of kaleidoscopic versatility … we call contemptuously a jack-of-all-trades—Havelock Ellis
shocking inhumanity of the slave trade has been compressed within the pages of this kaleidoscopic novel with romance and sea adventure—New York Herald Tribune
Cite this Entry
“Kaleidoscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kaleidoscope. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.
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