# rainbow

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɹeɪnboʊ/ · frequency rank #6,403

## Definitions
1. A multicoloured arch in the sky, produced by prismatic refraction of light within droplets of rain in the air.
2. Any prismatic refraction of light showing a spectrum of colours.
3. A wide assortment; a varied multitude.
4. An illusion; a mirage.
5. A curveball, particularly a slow one.
6. A trick in which the player makes the ball arc over the opponent's head using both feet; rainbow kick
7. In Texas hold 'em or Omaha hold 'em, a flop that contains three different suits.
8. Rainbow trout.
9. A person within the LGBT community.

## Etymology
From Middle English reynbowe, raynbowe, from Old English reġnboga (“rainbow”), from Proto-West Germanic *regnabogō, from Proto-Germanic *regnabugô (“rainbow”), equivalent to rain + bow (“arch”). Cognate with West Frisian reinbôge (“rainbow”), Dutch regenboog (“rainbow”), German Regenbogen (“rainbow”), Danish regnbue (“rainbow”), Swedish regnbåge (“rainbow”), Icelandic regnbogi (“rainbow”).

## Common misspellings (10)
`arinbow`, `raibnow`, `rainbbow`, `rainboww`, `rainbwo`, `rainnbow`, `rainobw`, `ranibow`, `rianbow`, `rrainbow`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/rainbow