universe

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noun uni·verse \ ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs \

Definition of universe

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 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

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See universe defined for kids

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 of universe from the Web

In this alternate American universe, the Mason-Dixon line becomes a militarized zone full of freedom fighters, slave hunters, politicians, and journalists, prior to a third Civil War.

— lincoln anthony blades, Teen Vogue, "Why HBO’s “Confederate” Is Completely Unnecessary," 20 July 2017
What results is a moral universe of surprising complexity and nuance, one that is true to life in a way that conservatives especially should understand.

— david french, National Review, "A Game for Our Time," 16 July 2017
Planck data can give us a good estimate for the density and radius of the observable universe.

— jay bennett, Popular Mechanics, "How Many Particles Are in the Observable Universe?," 11 July 2017
But fear not — the fundamental laws of our political universe have not been rewritten.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump’s CDC Pick Peddled ‘Anti-Aging’ Medicine to Her Gynecologic Patients," 10 July 2017
From denim jackets decorated with extraordinarily detailed depictions of the Russian circus, to shirts displaying an almost cubist treatment of Vladimir Putin, Dobrayakova's exuberant designs immediately struck chords within the fashion universe.

— robert newhouse, Teen Vogue, "Katya Dobrayakova Designs 'Ethnic Woman' Sweatshirt for Jungle Collection," 6 July 2017
But those events could look small compared with the next few days when South Florida becomes the center of the baseball universe.

— andre c. fernandez, miamiherald, "City of Miami preparing for the huge crowds expected on All-Star weekend," 5 July 2017
Particle physicists strive to understand the inner workings of the universe by smashing subatomic particles together with enormous energies to blast out exotic new bits of matter.

— science news staff, Science | AAAS, "AI is changing how we do science. Get a glimpse," 5 July 2017
Mr. Trump compares two fundamentally different universes of plans: all the plans on the individual market in 2013 and those only on the federal exchange in 2017.

— linda qiu, New York Times, "Five Misleading Republican Claims About Health Care," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'universe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of universe

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1589

See Words from the same year

universe Synonyms

Synonyms

cosmos, creation, macrocosm, nature, world

Related Words

existence, reality

Near Antonyms

nothingness, void

Other Astronomy Terms

gibbous, nadir, nebulous, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, wax, zenith

UNIVERSE Defined for English Language Learners

universe

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noun

Definition of universe for English Language Learners

the universe : all of space and everything in it including stars, planets, galaxies, etc.
: an area of space or a world that is similar to but separate from the one that we live in
: the people, places, experiences, etc., that are associated with a particular person, place, or thing