Definitions

rainbow

[reyn-boh] / ˈreɪnˌboʊ /

NOUN

color spectrum

Synonyms

STRONG

arc bow crescent curve prism variegation

WEAK

band of color

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name for rainbow?

Literally speaking, a rainbow is an arc (bow) of colors that appears in the sky due to rays of sunshine being reflected and refracted by raindrops (or other water droplets). The word rainbow is also commonly used to refer to any artistic representations of this. Technically speaking, a rainbow can be classified as a primary rainbow or a secondary rainbow. Together, they can form a double rainbow. Triple rainbows are very rare. Rainbow is also commonly used as an adjective that means containing all or many colors of the spectrum (the main ones being red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—aka roygbiv). Synonyms of this sense include multicolored (or multicolor), kaleidoscopic, and prismatic. Kaleidoscopic suggests something full of bright colors in a way that’s reminiscent of the images seen when looking through a kaleidoscope. Prismatic is a reference to the rainbow-colored when light shines through a prism. Extended from this is a more general sense of rainbow that’s applied to anything featuring a diverse collection of people or things, as in rainbow coalition. Rainbows and rainbow flags are popularly used as symbols of the LGBTQ+ community.

What is another way to say sunshine and rainbows?

Sunshine and rainbows is an idiom used to refer a situation that’s completely positive in all aspects. The phrase is most often used in negative constructions to imply that such situations are rare or impossible (and that it’s naive to think that they’re not), as in Marriage is not all sunshine and rainbows. Phrases used to mean the same thing often use some of the same terms in varying combinations: sunshine and lollipops, unicorns and rainbows, sunshine and puppies. The phrase peaches and cream can mean the same thing, but it’s more often used in positive constructions. The phrase sweetness and light is somewhat similar, but it’s usually applied to people, as opposed to situations. Singles words that can mean the same thing are rosy and rose-colored.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

rainbow rainbows

"I see everything through rainbow eyes," he once told ABC.

From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026

Lauren Dickson and Pfeiffer Georgi will likely lead the women's team in the road race and Zoe Backstedt will be expected to contend for the rainbow bands in the time trial.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

I bedazzle pieces I collect and I like how it reflects the color and turns into a rainbow.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

When you join, you hatch a pet bird, and as you complete real-life tasks, your Finch is rewarded with rainbow coins that can be spent on outfits and furniture.

From Slate ● Sep. 6, 2026

A rainbow blanket made of alpaca hair was spread on the floor.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

“There are storm clouds on the ground, but rainbows and sunshine in the air,” said Mark Coleman, chief commercial officer at Intervine, which helps wineries get their bottles on airlines like Delta and United.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

“This situation is clearly not all sunshine and rainbows, it’s cold and foggy.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

If the fish remain in freshwater, they’ll be considered rainbows.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

"This is not going to be the festival of rainbows and kisses as it was in the past," he told AFP.

From Barron's ● Dec. 17, 2025

On the coach’s nightstand sat a bowl of water, a stack of golden drachmas, a flashlight, and a glass prism for making rainbows.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Vocabulary lists containing rainbow

National Cookie Day

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!