I. ˌəm-ˈbre-lə, especially Southern ˈəm-ˌ noun
Etymology: Italian ombrella, modification of Latin umbella, diminutive of umbra
Date: 1611
1. : a collapsible shade for protection against weather consisting of fabric stretched over hinged ribs radiating from a central pole ; especially : a small one for carrying in the hand
2. : the bell-shaped or saucer-shaped largely gelatinous structure that forms the chief part of the body of most jellyfishes
3. : something which provides protection: as
a. : defensive air cover (as over a battlefront)
b. : a heavy barrage
4. : something which covers or embraces a broad range of elements or factors
decided to expand…by building new colleges under a federation umbrella — Diane Ravitch
II. transitive verb
( -laed ; -la·ing )
Date: 1834
: to protect, cover, or provide with an umbrella