a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy
"The tourist opened her lightweight handheld collapsible canopy to shield herself from the sudden summer rain."
a formation of military planes maintained over ground operations or targets
"an air umbrella over England"
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"
Cloth-covered frame used for protection against rain or sun.
"She opened her umbrella to protect herself from the sudden downpour."
In plain English: An umbrella is a portable cover with ribs and fabric used to keep rain off you while walking outside.
"She opened her umbrella to stay dry in the rain."
Usage: Use the noun form to refer specifically to the physical object held over one's head during precipitation or bright sunlight. As a verb, it describes the action of shielding someone from harm or attention, often used metaphorically in phrases like "to take cover under his wing."
To cover or protect, as if by an umbrella.
"The old house was completely shrouded in mist, making it feel as though a giant invisible umbrella were covering it from the sun."
In plain English: To umbrella something means to protect it from rain by holding an open umbrella over it.
"She decided to umbrella her speech during the sudden rainstorm inside the conference room."
covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items or elements or groups
"an umbrella organization"
"umbrella insurance coverage"
The word "umbrella" comes from the Italian ombrella, meaning "parasol" or "sunshade." It traces back to the Latin word umbra, which refers to a shadow or shade.