Meaning & use
umbrella
A folding device made of fabric stretched over a frame, carried to give protection from rain or sun.
See it in a sentence
She grabbed an umbrella on her way out as the sky darkened with clouds.
The waiter set up a large umbrella over the outdoor tables.
A note on using this word
Used figuratively, umbrella describes a broad category or organization that covers several smaller groups, as in an umbrella term.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A broad category, term, or organization that covers or includes several smaller, related things.
Renewable energy is an umbrella term that covers solar, wind, and hydro power.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “umbrella”, then compare your use with the examples above.