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

kaleidoscopic

kə-ˌlī-də-ˈskä-pik 

adjective

kaleidoscopically

kə-ˌlī-də-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of kaleidoscope in a Sentence

The landscape was a kaleidoscope of changing colors.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Jet Pilot is essentially a Daiquiri—rum, lime and simple syrup, one of the world’s great three ingredient drinks—put through a kaleidoscope. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 20 June 2026

This playful nursery rug from the late Iris Apfel’s collection features a kaleidoscope of insects sure to spark your kid’s imagination. —Briana Feigon, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026

Included in your stay are two beers from the lower-level brewery, a lofted kaleidoscope of a spot that brews Ringling Original, a light beer crafted from a secret recipe unearthed in the brewery’s floorboards. —Midwest Living, 11 June 2026

There’s no actual metal on Pareidolia, just fragments that Muir has excavated from metal’s marginalia and spun into what resembles a kaleidoscope filled with black beads. —Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for kaleidoscope

• electroscope
• heliotrope
• laryngoscope
• ophthalmoscope
• oscilloscope
• polariscope
• stereoscope
• antelope
• bronchoscope
• cantaloupe
• cystoscope
• endoscope

Kids 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

kaleidoscopic

-ˌlīd-ə-ˈskäp-ik 

adjective

kaleidoscopically

-ˈskäp-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Etymology

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