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

But a whole generation of fans knows her specifically for her role as the tough but fair Professor Minerva McGonagall of the Harry Potter universe. —Kate Hogan, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024

Ghost remains among the top shows for Black viewers in the United States, and worldwide, Starz says its subscribers have watched some 1.6 billion hours of the Power universe. —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Sep. 2024

This delight at lifeforms at once so ancient, dainty and ephemeral colors the Mira Stella universe. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024

For the rest of the One Chicago universe, Chicago Med will air at 8 p.m. ET, while Chicago P.D. will conclude the night at 10 p.m. ET. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 25 Sep. 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