universe

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 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

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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

Unfortunately, for us non-Duchess folk, Kate’s wardrobe often also comes with a hefty, suitably royal price tag to match but today, the universe is being a little more kind. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton's Chic Lace Up Ankle Boots From LK Bennett Are On Sale," 5 Feb. 2019 If this salute to the universe was extravagant, are not the heavens equally awe-inspiring? — Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, "Galaxy Hopping: Cartier’s Latest High Jewelry Collection Is Inspired by the Cosmos," 4 Feb. 2019 The universe is either a friendly place or an unfriendly place for you. — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, "Judith Light Has Really, Really Good Life Advice," 19 Jan. 2019 There are two unique factors at play here: The universe of people with expertise in crypto is still pretty small, so there’s a good chance that a sizable chunk of them have one tie or another to Andreessen Horowitz. — Theodore Schleifer, Recode, "How an $8 billion Silicon Valley startup has shared talent with one of its most prominent investors," 26 Nov. 2018 The news from some physicists like the late Stephen Hawking is that the universe might be a hologram, an illusion like the three-dimensional images on a bank card. — Dennis Overbye, New York Times, "‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ Is Still the ‘Ultimate Trip’," 10 May 2018 If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. — San Antonio Express-News, "San Antonians will gather for prayer Thursday," 30 Apr. 2018 Infinity War’s Thanos is serene, thoughtful, nearly monk-like in his consideration that balancing the universe isn’t a matter of genocide, but simple calculus. — Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Avengers: Infinity War' Has Delivered the Definitive Thanos," 28 Apr. 2018 Everything in the universe needs to radiate heat, and black holes are no exception. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Just Experimentally Proved One of Hawking's Wildest Theories," 23 Jan. 2019

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.