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

The short answer is yes, the show takes place in the same universe as Bethesda's games. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024

Mattel hit it big with Barbie in 2023, and have since endeavored to create a cinematic universe of their own, telling The New Yorker shortly after Barbie's release that the company had 45 films in development. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 21 Dec. 2024

The pair entered the Shtisel universe in Season 2, with Libi falling in love with and eventually marrying her cousin, Akiva Shtisel. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024

In a universe with close timelike curves, time travel would not resemble the freewheeling adventures of science fiction. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024

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