1. A lightweight handheld collapsible canopy used to keep off rain
   "He grabbed his umbrella before heading out into the rainy streets";
   - gamp [Brit, informal], brolly [Brit, informal], bumbershoot [US, informal]
    
2. Having the function of uniting a group of similar things
   "the Democratic Party is an umbrella for many liberal groups"; "under the umbrella of capitalism"
    
3. (military) a formation of military planes maintained over ground operations or targets
   "an air umbrella over England"
    
4. The main body of a jellyfish, excluding the tentacles
   "The jellyfish's umbrella pulsed rhythmically as it moved through the water"

1. Covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items or elements or groups
   "an umbrella organization"; "umbrella insurance coverage"

Derived forms: umbrellas

See also: comprehensive

Type of: canopy, conjugation, defence [Brit, Cdn], defense [US], defensive measure, jointure [archaic], unification, union

Encyclopedia: Umbrella