1
: an arc or circle that exhibits in concentric bands the colors of the spectrum and that is formed opposite the sun by the refraction and reflection of the sun's rays in raindrops, spray, or mist
2
a
: a multicolored array
b
: a wide assortment or range
a rainbow of flavors
3
[from the impossibility of reaching the rainbow, at whose foot a pot of gold is said to be buried]
: an illusory goal or hope
4
1
: having many colors
2
: of, relating to, or being people of different races (see race entry 1 sense 1a) or cultural backgrounds
a rainbow coalition
Examples of rainbow in a Sentence
Adjective
the rainbow costumes worn by mummers at Mardi Gras
Recent Examples on the Web
Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
That set up one of the greatest moments in program history: a 41-yard rainbow toss on second-and-26 from Tagovailoa to future Heisman winner DeVonta Smith to win Saban’s fifth national title at Alabama.
10.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
The Garvin flies both a rainbow Pride flag and a Black Lives Matter flag, prompting the occasional shouted slur.
—Brian Owens, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for rainbow
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Noun
Last year’s freedom summer declaration came about after the state overruled a practice in Tampa of deploying rainbow lighting during Pride Month.
—Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
That set up one of the greatest moments in program history: a 41-yard rainbow toss on second-and-26 from Tagovailoa to future Heisman winner DeVonta Smith to win Saban’s fifth national title at Alabama.
10.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
Suspended from the fashionable wooden arch are a teething ring, crinkly rainbow, rattle, mirror, and plush moon to promote hand-eye coordination.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
The Garvin flies both a rainbow Pride flag and a Black Lives Matter flag, prompting the occasional shouted slur.
—Brian Owens, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for rainbow
Cite this Entry
“Rainbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainbow. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
rainbow
noun
rain·bow
ˈrān-ˌbō 
slang
: a combination of the sodium derivatives of amobarbital and secobarbital in a blue and red capsule
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