Umbrella: meaning, definitions and examples

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umbrella

[ˌʌmˈbrɛlə ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

rainy day accessory

A portable device designed to protect a person from rain or sunlight, consisting of a circular canopy of cloth on a folding metal frame supported by a central rod.

Synonyms

brolly, gamp, parasol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
umbrella	Standard term used for a device to protect against rain; commonly used in everyday conversation and writing. Don't forget to take your umbrella; it looks like it might rain!
parasol	A lightweight umbrella used to protect from the sun rather than the rain; often used in historical or formal contexts. She opened her parasol to shield herself from the bright afternoon sun
brolly	Informal British English term for an umbrella; often used in casual speech. Grab your brolly before we head out; it's starting to drizzle
gamp	Old-fashioned British English term for a large, often unwieldy umbrella; not commonly used today. She was carrying an enormous gamp, much too big for the light drizzle outside

Examples of usage

I always carry an umbrella in my bag in case it starts raining.
Don't forget to take an umbrella with you, the weather forecast predicts rain.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'umbrella' comes from the Latin word 'umbra', meaning shadow or shade.
In its early use, an umbrella was primarily designed for shade against the sun, not just rain.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, walking with an umbrella is a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
In some Asian cultures, umbrellas are used in traditional dances and ceremonies, representing protection and peace.

Design and Innovation

The modern umbrella was patented in the 19th century, improving on earlier designs that were often bulky and not waterproof.
Foldable umbrellas emerged in the 20th century, allowing easy storage and making them more popular.

Science and Weather

Umbrellas are tested in wind tunnels to study how they hold up against strong gusts and prevent breakage.
Some umbrellas come with UV protection, blocking harmful rays from the sun.

Literature and Art

Umbrellas have been used symbolically in literature to represent both protection and vulnerability.
Artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir captured scenes of people with umbrellas in the rain, depicting human emotions and interactions.

Translations

Translations of the word "umbrella" in other languages:

🇵🇹 guarda-chuva

🇮🇳 छाता

🇩🇪 Regenschirm

🇮🇩 payung

🇺🇦 парасолька

🇵🇱 parasol

🇯🇵 傘

🇫🇷 parapluie

🇪🇸 paraguas

🇹🇷 şemsiye

🇰🇷 우산

🇸🇦 مظلة

🇨🇿 deštník

🇸🇰 dáždnik

🇨🇳 雨伞

🇸🇮 dežnik

🇮🇸 regnhlíf

🇰🇿 қолшатыр

🇬🇪 ქოლგა

🇦🇿 çətir

🇲🇽 paraguas

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,868 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9865 entitlement
9866 trader
9867 greenish
9868 umbrella
9869 rigidity
9870 diarrhea
9871 inoculation
...