English Reference

Word

umbrella

Phoneticsum·brel·la, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈəmˌbɹɛɫə/

UK/ʌmbɹˈɛlɐ/

Definitions

01rain protection

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a folding frame covered in cloth that you hold over your head to stay dry when it rains.

n. a portable device consisting of a folding frame covered with fabric, used as protection against rain or sun.

“Don't forget to take your umbrella because the sky looks very grey.”

“The sudden downpour caught the commuters by surprise, forcing those without umbrellas to seek shelter under the narrow shop awnings.”

Synonyms

parasolbrolly

02overarching group

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a single large organization or idea that includes many smaller ones.

n. a coordinating agency or overarching category that encompasses several smaller or more specific groups or concepts.

“Several small charities work together under one large umbrella organization.”

“The term 'digital media' serves as a broad umbrella for various industries, including social networking, online journalism, and streaming services.”

Usage

often used with 'organization' or 'term'

Teaching tip

This is a common business and academic metaphor for describing complex structures.

03photography light reflector

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Photography Technical

n. a tool shaped like an umbrella used by photographers to bounce light onto a person or object.

n. an umbrella-shaped reflector with a reflective inner surface used to diffuse or redirect artificial light.

“The photographer adjusted the white umbrella to make the light on the model's face softer.”

“By positioning the silver umbrella at a forty-five-degree angle, the studio assistant managed to eliminate the harsh shadows behind the subject.”

04jellyfish body

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. the round, top part of a jellyfish.

n. the gelatinous, dome-shaped main body of a jellyfish, excluding the tentacles.

“The jellyfish moved through the water by pulsing its umbrella.”

“The researcher noted that the diameter of the jellyfish's umbrella was significantly larger than that of other specimens found in the same reef.”

Synonyms

05to open or spread out

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to open up or spread out into a round shape like an umbrella.

v. to open, expand, or move in a manner resembling the deployment or shape of an umbrella.

“The parachute started to umbrella as the skydiver fell through the air.”

“The silk of the parachute began to umbrella above him, slowing his descent just as he cleared the thickest layer of clouds.”

Usage

often used as an intransitive verb

Antonyms

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian ombrella (“parasol, sunshade”), from Late Latin umbrella (influenced by umbra (“shadow, shade”)), from Latin umbella, from umbra + -la (diminutive suffix).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Domains

PhotographyTelevision

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference