Definition of universal
1 : including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially : available equitably to all members of a society universal health coverage
2a : present or occurring everywhereb : existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions universal cultural patterns
3a : embracing a major part or the greatest portion (as of humankind) a universal state universal practicesb : comprehensively broad and versatile a universal genius
4a : affirming or denying something of all members of a class or of all values of a variableb : denoting every member of a class a universal term
5 : adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements (as of use, shape, or size) a universal gear cutter a universal remote control
Read the Latest from M-W
Examples of universal in a Sentence
an idea with universal appeal
a pattern that is universal across all cultures
Recent Examples of universal from the Web
-
Plus, each shade is entirely universal and made to work on all skin tones, as illustrated on the brand’s Web site.
-
What's interesting is that being a mom is universal and also unique.
-
The burger's pretty universal -- everybody loves a good burger.
-
Experts believe that could be largely thanks to Canadian universal health care.
-
The monument had been dedicated by the veteran group in May 2015, featuring symbols from all six branches of military service, as well as an upside down triangle — a universal symbol for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
-
The program, introduced in 2014, has already released a handful of products including an e-paper fashion watch, a universal remote control and IOT set for beginner tinkerers.
-
Some of the nation’s leading futurists are leading an effort to advance a universal basic income, or other forms of redistribution, to defuse that ticking time bomb.
-
Having the government provide citizens with a universal basic income is the most...
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'universal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of universal
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin universalis, from universum universe
universal
Definition of universal
1 : one that is universal: such asa : a universal proposition in logicb : a predicable of traditional logicc : a general concept or term or something in reality to which it corresponds : essence
2a : a behavior pattern or institution (such as the family) existing in all culturesb : a culture trait characteristic of all normal adult members of a particular society
Recent Examples of universal from the Web
-
My solution is a universal, flat-dollar Social Security benefit set at the poverty line, like the system in New Zealand.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'universal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of universal
15th century
UNIVERSAL Defined for English Language Learners
universal
playDefinition of universal for English Language Learners
-
: done or experienced by everyone : existing or available for everyone
-
: existing or true at all times or in all places
UNIVERSAL Defined for Kids
universal
playDefinition of universal for Students
1 : including, covering, or taking in all or everything universal medical care
2 : present or happening everywhere universal celebration
universally
adverbLaw Dictionary
universal
playLegal Definition of universal
1 in the civil law of Louisiana a : encompassing or burdening all of one's property especially causa mortis granted him a universal usufruct — see also universal legacy at legacy — compare universal title at title b : of or relating to a universal conveyance or a conveyance under a universal title a universal donee — see also universal successor
2 : not confined by limitations or exceptions : general in application
universally
adverbLearn More about universal
-
See words that rhyme with universal Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for universal Spanish Central: Translation of universal Nglish: Translation of universal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of universal for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about universal
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up universal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!