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
In The East Best Hike to see Fall Foliage
Burrows Trail to Camel’s Hump: Vermont
Vermont was essentially created for fall foliage, as the forest that blankets the 4,000-foot peaks throughout the state transitions into a kaleidoscope of colors starting in September.
—
Graham Averill, Outside Online, 29 May 2025
Honestly, such measurement is impossible — because Phish’s kaleidoscope oeuvre, much of it invented in real time on stages, never to be repeated the same way, can’t really be quantified, even if most of the concert recordings exist.
—Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
Even in something as simple a 100 meter race, the entire kaleidoscope of human emotion comes into play.
—Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
The intricate carvings and the kaleidoscope of colors from stained glass windows were breathtaking.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kaleidoscope
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Graham Averill, Outside Online, 29 May 2025
Honestly, such measurement is impossible — because Phish’s kaleidoscope oeuvre, much of it invented in real time on stages, never to be repeated the same way, can’t really be quantified, even if most of the concert recordings exist.
—Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
Even in something as simple a 100 meter race, the entire kaleidoscope of human emotion comes into play.
—Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
The intricate carvings and the kaleidoscope of colors from stained glass windows were breathtaking.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kaleidoscope
Cite this Entry
“Kaleidoscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kaleidoscope. Accessed 9 Jun. 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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