kaleidoscope

What is another word for kaleidoscope? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A tube-shaped toy that uses mirrors and loose coloured pieces to create shifting, symmetrical patterns when you look through it and turn it.

We haven't recorded synonyms for kaleidoscope yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use kaleidoscope

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a kaleidoscope of colours look through a kaleidoscope a kaleidoscope of emotions

Etymology

Coined in 1817 by Scottish scientist David Brewster from Greek kalos ("beautiful") + eidos ("shape") + "-scope" (an instrument for viewing) — literally "an instrument for viewing beautiful shapes."

Full origin of kaleidoscope →

Frequently asked questions

What does “kaleidoscope” mean?

The word “kaleidoscope” means a tube-shaped toy that uses mirrors and loose coloured pieces to create shifting, symmetrical patterns when you look through it and turn it. In plain terms, either the classic mirror-and-beads toy, or a figurative word for a vivid, ever-changing mix of things.

How do you pronounce “kaleidoscope”?

“Kaleidoscope” is pronounced kuh-LEYE-duh-skohp (/kəˈlaɪ.dəˌskoʊp/ in IPA).

How do you use “kaleidoscope” in a sentence?

Here is “kaleidoscope” used in a sentence: “The child spent an hour twisting the kaleidoscope, mesmerized by the patterns.”

What part of speech is “kaleidoscope”?

“Kaleidoscope” is a noun.

Where does the word “kaleidoscope” come from?

The word “kaleidoscope” dates back to around 1817 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1817 by Scottish scientist David Brewster from Greek kalos ("beautiful") + eidos ("shape") + "-scope" (an instrument for viewing) — literally "an instrument for viewing beautiful shapes.".

How many meanings does “kaleidoscope” have?

“Kaleidoscope” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tube-shaped toy that uses mirrors and loose coloured pieces to create shifting, symmetrical patterns when you look through it and turn it.

Nearby words

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