universe

noun

uni·​verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs 

1

: the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated : cosmos: such as

a

: a systematic whole held to arise by and persist through the direct intervention of divine power

b

: the world of human experience

c(1)

: the entire celestial cosmos

(2)

: milky way galaxy

(3)

: an aggregate of stars comparable to the Milky Way galaxy

2

: a distinct field or province of thought or reality that forms a closed system or self-inclusive and independent organization

3

: population sense 4

4

: a set that contains all elements relevant to a particular discussion or problem

5

: a great number or quantity

a large enough universe of stocks … to choose from

—G. B. Clairmont

Synonyms

• cosmos
• creation
• macrocosm
• nature
• world

Examples of universe in a Sentence

How many stars are there in the universe?

It means more to me than anything else in the entire universe.

She is convinced that parallel universes exist.

He creates his own universe in his novels.

New York City is the center of the publishing universe.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hints that Captain America will lead a new super-team and face off against threats from parallel universes at the end of Brave New World harbinger a new MCU where X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and a handful of the Avengers all live and fight in the same universe. —Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025

Your protagonist in this action-RPG from the Pillars of Eternity universe is the envoy for the Aedyran Empire, which has for years sent its occupying force to tame and control the wild and unruly islands of the Living Lands. —Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025

Dark matter is the beautiful mystery of our universe. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025

In all, it has been recently estimated that the S&P 500 universe of companies collectively holds over $3.5 trillion on balance sheets, though the figure changes quarter-to-quarter. —Ian Thomas, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin universum, from neuter of universus entire, whole, from uni- + versus turned toward, from past participle of vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing universe

• center of someone's universe
• island universe
• the universe
• universe of discourse

Kids Definition

universe

noun

uni·​verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs 

1

: the whole body of things observed or assumed : cosmos

2

: universal set

Etymology

from Latin universum "whole body of things that exist," from universus "whole, entire," literally, "turned into one," from uni- "one" and versus "turned toward," from vertere "to turn" — related to anniversary, converse, unicorn, versatile