rainbow

noun
rain·​bow | \ ˈrān-ˌbō How to pronounce rainbow (audio) \

Definition of rainbow

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an arc or circle that exhibits in concentric bands the colors of the spectrum and that is formed opposite the sun by the refraction and reflection of the sun's rays in raindrops, spray, or mist
2a : a multicolored array
b : a wide assortment or range a rainbow of flavors
3 [ from the impossibility of reaching the rainbow, at whose foot a pot of gold is said to be buried ] : an illusory goal or hope

rainbow

adjective

Definition of rainbow (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : having many colors
2 : of, relating to, or being people of different races or cultural backgrounds a rainbow coalition

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Other Words from rainbow

Noun

rainbowlike \ ˈrān-​ˌbō-​ˌlīk How to pronounce rainbowlike (audio) \ adjective

Examples of rainbow in a Sentence

Adjective

the rainbow costumes worn by mummers at Mardi Gras

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

As one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations, the fete amassed vast beauty from every end of the rainbow. Jennifer Ford, Essence, "The Best Beauty Looks From NYC Pride March," 1 July 2019 Enduring differences over the movement are as visible as a rainbow pride flag that went up over the Wisconsin state Capitol this month. Jennifer Peltz, Twin Cities, "Stories of Stonewall: How the LGBTQ rebellion left a legacy," 24 June 2019 And earlier this month, the Trump administration rejected requests from a number of U.S. embassies to fly the rainbow pride flag on embassy flagpoles during Pride Month. Natasha Bach, Fortune, "When Asked About Human Rights Issues, Trump Pointed to His Website. Here's What We Found," 21 June 2019 One event many considered a blessing was a rainbow pride flag being raised June 7 over the Wisconsin Capitol for the first time in Wisconsin history. Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "After 500 blessings were given at PrideFest Milwaukee last year, the Blessed at PrideFest booth was back," 10 June 2019 This year’s Pride is monumental is a few ways, Meyer said as the primary colors were mixed behind her to create all of the colors of the rainbow. Julia Fair, Cincinnati.com, "Covington preps for Pride and transforms crosswalks into rainbows," 7 June 2019 As pictured above, the set features a brand-new, eight-shade palette in all the colors of the rainbow. Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "Tarte's Debuts Rainbow Eye Makeup Collection Ahead of Pride Month," 22 May 2019 From traditional tees and tanks to elevated pleated skirts and wrap blouses, these swirled pieces come in every color of the rainbow. Vogue, "How to Shop Spring’s Most Exciting Trends For Under $250," 27 Apr. 2019 The 2 1/4-inch platform sole is rendered in rainbow stripes. Kavita Daswani, latimes.com, "Celebrate Pride month and beyond with a rainbow of fashion options," 13 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Tyresse Singleton, 20, is facing hate crime and arson charges for allegedly burning two rainbow flags displayed outside Alibi Lounge on May 31, the eve of LGBTQ Pride Month, and another Monday. Tim Fitzsimons, NBC News, "NYPD probes defaced Megan Rapinoe posters," 11 July 2019 While rainbow flags decorate nearly everything from my Uber ride to streetlights, more than 10 trans women, the majority of them Black, have been murdered this year—seven have been murdered in the past month. Alicia Garza, Marie Claire, "Trans Women Don’t Want Your Sympathy. They Want to Be Treated as Human Beings.," 24 June 2019 There’s Jane Fonda on the red carpet looking smoking in Valentino, and Céline Dion showing off her mile-long legs in Alexandre Vauthier, and Baddiewinkle on Instagram wearing unitards so violently rainbow-colored, Miley Cyrus might wince. Steff Yotka, Vogue, "In the Year of the Runway Zaddy, Where Are the MILFs?," 4 Feb. 2019 Hundreds of people chanted slogans and waved rainbow flags on side streets along Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul's main pedestrian thoroughfare. Zeynep Bilginsoy, Fox News, "Turkish police disperse LGBTI activists holding banned march," 1 July 2018 While rainbow jewelry is often dismissed as twee, these sparklers are all grown up. Hayley Phelan, New York Times, "How to Be a Poolside Pinup," 27 June 2018 Tyresse Singleton, 20, is facing hate crime and arson charges for allegedly burning two rainbow flags displayed outside Alibi Lounge on May 31, the eve of LGBTQ Pride Month, and another Monday. Tim Fitzsimons, NBC News, "NYPD probes defaced Megan Rapinoe posters," 11 July 2019 While rainbow flags decorate nearly everything from my Uber ride to streetlights, more than 10 trans women, the majority of them Black, have been murdered this year—seven have been murdered in the past month. Alicia Garza, Marie Claire, "Trans Women Don’t Want Your Sympathy. They Want to Be Treated as Human Beings.," 24 June 2019 Instead of coming with add-on bumpers, like the previous Echo Dot Kids Edition, the new model is available in either frost blue or rainbow fabric colors. Dan Seifert, The Verge, "Amazon’s new Echo Dot Kids Edition comes in blue or rainbow colors," 12 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rainbow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of rainbow

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for rainbow

rainbow

noun

English Language Learners Definition of rainbow

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a curved line of different colors that sometimes appears in the sky when the sun shines through rain

rainbow

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of rainbow (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, relating to, or including people of different races, cultures, etc.

rainbow

noun
rain·​bow | \ ˈrān-ˌbō How to pronounce rainbow (audio) \

Kids Definition of rainbow