metaverse

noun

meta·​verse ˈme-tə-ˌvərs 

plural metaverses

1

computing : a persistent virtual (see virtual sense 2) environment that allows access to and interoperability of multiple individual virtual realities

To its proponents, the metaverse is the natural evolution of the internet. They envisage a sprawling network of interconnected virtual worlds for such diverse activities as gaming, watching live entertainment, … and collaborating on design projects.

—Edd Gent

also : any of the individual virtual environments that make up a metaverse

Metaverses are immersive three-dimensional virtual worlds in which people interact as avatars with each other and with software agents, using the metaphor of the real world but without its physical limitations.

—Alanah Davis et al.

2

cosmology : the hypothetical combination of all co-existing or sequentially existing universes compare multiverse

Examples of metaverse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While Meta changed its name in 2022 to reflect its strategic shift toward the metaverse, that part of the company continues to be an unprofitable project designed to help future-proof the overall business. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024

Zoom out: The metaverse has garnered billions of investment dollars yet has recently been overshadowed by the rise of generative AI. —Kerry Flynn, Axios, 8 Oct. 2024

These days, Ball spends a lot of time thinking about another big tech development — the metaverse. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2024

Evans pointed out the dual nature of the metaverse as both empowering and daunting, offering brands limitless creative avenues while also posing risks related to brand integrity and customer relationships. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

meta- + -verse (in universe)

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

metaverse

noun

meta·​verse

ˈmet-ə-ˌvərs

1

: a persistent virtual environment that allows access to and interaction between multiple individual virtual realities

also : any of the individual virtual environments that make up a metaverse

2

: the hypothetical combination of all co-existing or sequentially existing universes