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

This masterful retelling, which is bursting with delightful expletives, iconic one-liners and a whole array of death plots and schemes, unveils an alternative universe where women (and some men) have the agency to gain control of their lives. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 27 June 2024

There’s a new real estate series in the Netflix universe, and this time it’s headed to New York City. —Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 26 June 2024

Letitia Wright is itching to cat-scratch her way back into the Black Panther universe, the Marvel star revealed in a new interview. —EW.com, 26 June 2024

Speaking of Krasinski, Quinn and Lupita Nyong'o are expanding the Quiet Place universe with their newest film that serves as a spinoff prequel to A Quiet Place (2018) and A Quiet Place Part II (2020), both directed by the Office alum, 44. —Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 25 June 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