umbrella

umbrella — noun

1. a round frame of waterproof fabric on a long stick with a curved handle, that yo

1.nounA2
Definition

a round frame of waterproof fabric on a long stick with a curved handle, that you hold over your body to stay dry in the rain or to block strong sunlight

Example

Vinícius grabbed his umbrella before stepping out into the heavy rain.

collocation: grab + umbrella

Imani always keeps a small foldable umbrella in her bag for sudden showers.

collocation: keep + umbrella + in [location]

Common collocations
  • open an umbrella
  • close an umbrella
  • put up an umbrella
  • fold an umbrella
  • share an umbrella
  • umbrella handle
  • umbrella frame
  • umbrella stand
Synonyms
  • parasol

    specifically designed for sun protection, not rain

  • brolly

    British informal term for umbrella

  • sunshade

    stationary or handheld device for blocking sun, not typically used for rain

Usage Note

This is by far the most common meaning. In British English the informal word 'brolly' is sometimes used. An umbrella designed only for sun protection is called a 'parasol'.

Common Mistakes

I forgot my rainscreen at home.
I forgot my umbrella at home.
'rainscreen' is not used for portable rain protection; the correct word is 'umbrella'.
She carried a sunshade even though it was raining.
She carried an umbrella even though it was raining.
A 'sunshade' blocks only sunlight, not rain; use 'umbrella' when rain is involved.

2. a broad name or category used to gather many different items of a similar kind,

2.nounB2
Definition

a broad name or category used to gather many different items of a similar kind, treating them as a single group

Example

"Cryptocurrency" is an umbrella term that covers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other digital coins.

umbrella term + that covers [list]

The two charities now operate under the umbrella of a single international foundation.

under the umbrella of [organization]

Common collocations
  • umbrella term
  • umbrella organization
  • umbrella group
  • umbrella category
  • under the umbrella of
  • broad umbrella
  • umbrella brand
Synonyms
  • category

    more general; does not imply that the items are gathered under a single protective or organizing term

  • catch-all

    suggests a broad container for items that do not fit neatly elsewhere; slightly informal

  • blanket term

    similar to umbrella term but suggests the term covers everything broadly, sometimes imprecisely

Grammar Patterns

umbrella term + for + [list]

umbrella + that covers...

under the umbrella of + [organization]

Usage Note

Commonly used in the phrase 'umbrella term' followed by 'for' or a 'that'-clause. Also appears in prepositional phrases with 'under the umbrella of', which suggests protection or coordination by a larger entity.

Common Mistakes

Bird is an umbrella animal that includes sparrows, eagles, and penguins.
Bird is a category that includes sparrows, eagles, and penguins.
'Umbrella' is used for broader, often abstract groupings, not for standard biological categories.

umbrella — verb

Word family

  • umbrellas
    nounA2
  • umbrellad
    verbC1
  • umbrelling
    verbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe devices or structures that provide overhead protection, but they differ in use. A 'parasol' is designed exclusively for sun protection — it is often decorative and made of lighter fabric that is not waterproof. A 'brolly' is a British informal word for a regular rain umbrella; you would not use it in formal writing. A 'sunshade' is a broader term that includes large stationary structures (like a beach umbrella or a patio awning) as well as handheld versions; it is not typically used for rain protection. A 'canopy' is a large, often permanent roof-like covering made of fabric or other material, such as a canopy over a stage or a shop entrance. For example: 'Theo borrowed my brolly on his way out' (informal British), 'The garden table sat under a wide sunshade' (stationary), and 'The restaurant entrance had a striped canopy to keep guests dry.'

parasolbrollysunshadecanopy ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • put up an umbrella
  • open an umbrella
  • close an umbrella
  • fold an umbrella
  • share an umbrella
  • hold an umbrella
  • take an umbrella

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinItalianEnglish

The word 'umbrella' entered English in the early 17th century from Italian 'ombrello', meaning 'little shade', which itself comes from Late Latin 'umbella' (a sunshade), a diminutive of Latin 'umbra' (shadow). The device was originally used in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia as a sunshade for royalty. It was not until the 18th century that umbrellas became widely used in Europe for protection against rain. The figurative meaning — a thing that covers or includes many elements — developed in the mid-20th century.