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

: 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 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

• cosmos
• creation
• macrocosm
• nature
• world

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

While the Indiana Jones film franchise might be done (at least for now), there’s still tons of ways fans can explore the Indiana Jones universe. —Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024

The Marvel season of Fortnite comes as Epic and Disney expand their partnership, with the entertainment giant investing $1.5 billion in Epic, with plans to build a new playable universe that will be connected to Fortnite. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Aug. 2024

This work, with its obscure symbols, recalls the paintings of Hilma af Klint, another artist who gave form to alternate universes. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2024

Kaji’s parents have a wide range of strategies for adapting to this shift, including placing more focus on Emma and Kate, and putting out more animated content featuring characters in the Ryan’s World universe, including Red Titan, Kaji’s superhero alter ego. —Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2024

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

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