universe

uni·verse | \ ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs

How to pronounce universe (audio)

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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 Meteorites were once the domain of cosmochemists seeking clues about the universe and starry-eyed rockhounds eager to touch other worlds. — Kevin Coyne, New York Times, "These Auction Items Are Out of This World. No, Really.," 14 Mar. 2020 The parallel universe effect this play has on the viewer is prescient and disconcerting. — cleveland, "‘Marisol’ at Cleveland Public Theatre is a poetic visit to a parallel universe," 11 Mar. 2020 That means Sunday was the 42nd anniversary of the show, a critical number that, in the series, Adams jokingly determined was the answer to life, the universe, and everything. — Adam Lashinsky, Fortune, "As people eat out less, food delivery startups surge," 9 Mar. 2020 How could the universe be playing all of its cards on me within these few days? — Anna Lea Hand, Longreads, "If Miscarriage is So Normal, Why Doesn’t Anybody Talk About It?," 3 Mar. 2020 The restaurant is now selling tickets for Elements, a whimsical nine-course meal inspired by the universe for $118. — Janelle Bitker, SFChronicle.com, "San Francisco’s tiny Merchant Roots leans into avant-garde fine dining," 3 Mar. 2020 Altered Carbon: Resleeved This anime piece is set in the same universe and will explore new elements of the show’s growing mythology. — Ben Flanagan | Bflanagan@al.com, al, "New on Netflix: March 2020," 28 Feb. 2020 Paul HebertGetty Images For better or for worse, this year was already going to be a big one in the Bachelor universe. — Jenny Hollander, Marie Claire, "Wait, Is a 'Bachelor' Spin-Off for Seniors Really Happening?," 25 Feb. 2020 That's because the digital universe has never known us so well. — Cotton Codinha, Allure, "3 Dermatologists Share How They Spend Their Money on Skin Care," 21 Feb. 2020

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.

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Dictionary Entries near universe

universe of discourse

Statistics for universe

Last Updated

18 Mar 2020

Cite this Entry

“Universe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universe. Accessed 1 Apr. 2020.

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More Definitions for universe

universe

noun

English Language Learners Definition of 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

See the full definition for universe in the English Language Learners Dictionary

universe

uni·verse | \ ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs

\

Kids Definition of universe

: all created things including the earth and heavenly bodies viewed as making up one system

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