kaleidoscope

noun

ka·​lei·​do·​scope kə-ˈlī-də-ˌskōp How to pronounce kaleidoscope (audio)
Synonyms of kaleidoscopenext
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.
To get a kaleidoscope of colors, use a variety of berries. Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 29 May 2026 Though far from pristine and still facing growing threats, the forest is holding fast and extraordinary biodiversity continues to flourish in the kaleidoscope of light beneath its canopy. Tatjana Baleta, Time, 28 May 2026 More than 40 years later, McDonough can’t imagine doing anything other than working a kaleidoscope of colorful stones into pieces inspired by her many passions, which range from the ballet to Liverpool’s football team to the great outdoors. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 That climaxes in a kaleidoscope of styles where Esteban, directing one scene, erupts in fury, reverting to a verbal and physical violence which Emilia obviously knew and suffered as child, Sorogoyen explains. John Hopewell, Variety, 16 May 2026 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 6 Jun. 2026.

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

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