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(1)

: the world of human experience

(2)

: an area of space or a world similar to the world of human experience

believes that alternate universes exist

c(1)

often Universe : the entire celestial cosmos

The Milky Way was so vast that it was thought to contain the entire physical Universe.

—Paul Levesque

(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

The campus is its own little universe.

Their child is the center of their universe.

New York City has long been the center of the publishing universe.

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 of universe

• world
• nature
• creation

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

Most of the songs on Horsepower have been in the Big Thief universe for a few years, if not much longer. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026

As fans of the original film know, grief is an important theme in the Practical Magic universe—and also in Bullock's life. — Alessandra De Tommasi, Vanity Fair, 22 Aug. 2026

After nearly a decade, CIA officer Matt Graver is still waging his war against Mexican drug cartels in Taylor Sheridan‘s Sicario cinematic universe. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026

One of these candidates is the dark photon, the dark universe's version of a photon carrying a force other than electromagnetism, which is the responsibility of standard photons. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for universe

• reimburse
• adverse
• averse
• coerce
• disburse
• disperse
• diverse
• immerse
• inverse
• obverse
• perverse
• rehearse

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