Definition of universe
1 : the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated : cosmos: such asa : a systematic whole held to arise by and persist through the direct intervention of divine powerb : the world of human experiencec (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
Explore Merriam-Webster
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.
-
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.
-
Planck data can give us a good estimate for the density and radius of the observable universe.
-
But fear not — the fundamental laws of our political universe have not been rewritten.
-
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.
-
But those events could look small compared with the next few days when South Florida becomes the center of the baseball universe.
-
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.
-
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.
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
UNIVERSE Defined for English Language Learners
universe
playDefinition 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
UNIVERSE Defined for Kids
universe
playDefinition of universe for Students
: all created things including the earth and heavenly bodies viewed as making up one system
Learn More about universe
-
See words that rhyme with universe Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for universe Spanish Central: Translation of universe Nglish: Translation of universe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of universe for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up universe? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!