universe

noun

uni·​verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs How to pronounce universe (audio)
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
(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
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 fromG. B. Clairmont

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rankings for the catchers listed here are for standard 5×5 Roto leagues (mixed universe). Gene McCaffrey, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 The result is an approachable yet luxurious experience aimed at attracting Louis Vuitton fans, casual shoppers and locals alike, planting the seed of a future purchase after being immersed into the brand’s universe. Clara Ludmir, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 The eight-episode Season 1 of The Franchise followed the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025 General relativity and the dark universe Developed in 1915, general relativity suggests that gravity arises because bodies with mass cause the fabric of spacetime (the four-dimensional unification of space and time) to warp. Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for universe

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of universe was in 1589

Cite this Entry

“Universe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universe. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

universe

noun
uni·​verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs How to pronounce universe (audio)
1
: the whole body of things observed or assumed : cosmos
2
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

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