What does umbrella mean?
An umbrella is a portable canopy, usually supported by a central shaft and held by a handle, that protects a person from rain or strong sunlight. Its canopy folds or extends, allowing it to be carried conveniently. The word also has important figurative uses. A policy, agreement, or plan may be described as an umbrella because it covers a broad range of activities or subjects; phrases such as under the umbrella of indicate protection, inclusion, or oversight. An umbrella organization is a large body that brings smaller or otherwise separate groups together under common administration or a shared purpose. These extended meanings developed from the idea of one covering sheltering everything beneath it. An umbrella is therefore both a familiar practical object and a useful metaphor for comprehensive protection or organization. The word is standard in British and American English, although brolly is an informal British alternative for a rain umbrella.
A portable folding canopy on a central shaft, used to shelter a person from rain or sun; more broadly, anything providing comprehensive protection or covering a range of related activities.
"A large umbrella cast a circle of shade over the table."
Figurative senses commonly involve protection, coordination, or comprehensive coverage.
To cover, shelter, or protect someone or something with an umbrella.
"She umbrellaed the camera while the wind drove rain across the street."
This verbal use is less common than the noun and can sound informal in some contexts.
The regular plural is formed by adding -s to the noun.
"Several umbrellas were left drying near the entrance."
An umbrella began as a small shadow: its Latin name means a little shade, long before it became the familiar shield against rain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does umbrella come from?
English borrowed umbrella from Latin in the early eighteenth century. The Latin noun umbrella was a diminutive of umbra, meaning shadow or shade, and originally referred to a sunshade. Its use later broadened to cover devices designed to provide shelter from rain as well. Related English words include umbra, umbrage, and the botanical term umbel, all of which continue the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How umbrella is actually used
The word is neutral in both British and American English. In figurative uses, an umbrella is usually something broad that covers several people, activities, or risks; the informal British term brolly is a synonym for a rain umbrella.