world

¹world

noun \ˈwər(-ə)ld\

Definition of WORLD

1

a : the earthly state of human existence

b : life after death —used with a qualifier <the next world>

2

: the earth with its inhabitants and all things upon it

3

: individual course of life : career

4

: the inhabitants of the earth : the human race

5

a : the concerns of the earth and its affairs as distinguished from heaven and the life to come

b : secular affairs

6

: the system of created things : universe

7

a : a division or generation of the inhabitants of the earth distinguished by living together at the same place or at the same time <the medieval world>

b : a distinctive class of persons or their sphere of interest or activity <the academic world> <the digital world>

8

: human society <withdraw from the world>

9

: a part or section of the earth that is a separate independent unit

10

: the sphere or scene of one's life and action <living in your own little world>

11

: an indefinite multitude or a great quantity or distance <makes a world of difference> <a world away>

12

: the whole body of living persons : public <announced their discovery to the world>

13

: kingdom 5 <the animal world>

14

: a celestial body (as a planet)

— for all the world

: in every way : exactly <copies which look for all the world like the original>

— in the world

: among innumerable possibilities : ever —used as an intensive <what in the world is it>

— out of this world

: of extraordinary excellence : superb

Examples of WORLD

1. the countries of the world
2. He is famous throughout the world.
3. They sailed around the world.
4. It can be found anywhere in the world.
5. The product is shipped halfway around the world.
6. The problem occurs in many parts of the world.
7. The island was cut off from the rest of the world.
8. They want to see the world.
9. the Eastern and Western worlds
10. people living in the English-speaking world

Origin of WORLD

Middle English, from Old English woruld human existence, this world, age (akin to Old High German weralt age, world); akin to Old English wer man, eald old — more at virile, old

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WORLD

Synonyms

folks, humanity, humankind, public, species, people

Related Words

community, society; crowd, masses, mob, populace, proletariat, rabble, rabblement, riffraff

Near Antonyms

nothingness, void

²world

adjective

Definition of WORLD

1

: of or relating to the world <a world championship>

2

a : extending or found throughout the world : worldwide <brought about world peace>

b : involving or applying to part of or the whole world <a world tour> <a world state>

c : internationally recognized : renowned, distinguished <a world authority on gemstones>

Examples of WORLD

1. She broke the world record.
2. They won the world championship.
3. a world authority on gemstones

First Known Use of WORLD

12th century