WordWeb Online

1. A lightweight handheld collapsible canopy
    
2. A formation of military planes maintained over ground operations or targets
   "an air umbrella over England"
    
3. 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"

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, unification, union, uniting

Encyclopedia: Umbrella