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

Zuckerberg’s most notable whiff was the metaverse, and his effort starting in 2021 to reshape the company around a futuristic digital world. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 July 2026

In-person concerts and livestreams are highly varied events, including global EDM festival broadcasts, Team Boxing League (TBL) fight cards, and exclusive metaverse music experiences. — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 28 July 2026

There are thousands of VR worlds in the metaverse, on platforms such as VRChat and Roblox. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 July 2026

Meta is exiting the industry following its metaverse venture, and Amazon is focused on its own cloud-gaming service. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

meta- + -verse (in universe)

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for metaverse

• traverse

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