[ kuh-lahy-duh-skohp ]
/ kəˈlaɪ dəˌskoʊp /


a continually changing pattern of shapes and colors.
a continually shifting pattern, scene, or the like: The 1920s were a kaleidoscope of fads and fashions.

Origin of kaleidoscope

1817; < Greek kal(ós) beautiful + eîdo(s) shape + -scope

Examples from the Web for kaleidoscope

British Dictionary definitions for kaleidoscope


/ (kəˈlaɪdəˌskəʊp) /


an optical toy for producing symmetrical patterns by multiple reflections in inclined mirrors enclosed in a tube. Loose pieces of coloured glass, paper, etc, are placed between transparent plates at the far end of the tube, which is rotated to change the pattern
any complex pattern of frequently changing shapes and colours
a complicated set of circumstances

Derived Forms

kaleidoscopic (kəˌlaɪdəˈskɒpɪk), adjectivekaleidoscopically, adverb

Word Origin for kaleidoscope

C19: from Greek kalos beautiful + eidos form + -scope