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
From the M-W Editors
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
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In a parallel universe where utility projects finish on time and budget, at least some beleaguered passengers disrupted by planned summer repair work at Pennsylvania Station could have used Grand Central Terminal.
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The series has existed online since 2015 as a supplement to the network's Arrowverse — the same universe as superheroes Green Arrow, the Flash and DC's Legends of Tomorrow.
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After a journey lasting 3 billion years, that is to say, a quarter of the age of the universe, those waves started jiggling LIGO’s mirrors back and forth by a fraction of an atomic diameter 20 times a second.
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On top of that, DC Comics — the universe from which Wonder Woman came — badly needs a hit that can stand up to the success of the films created by its rival, Marvel.
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Fox was supposed to provide some ideological balance within the larger media universe.
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Stargazers can view the wonders of the universe through state-of-art instrumentation.
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Before the early 1980s, pharmaceutical companies largely ignored the known universe of about 7,000 orphan diseases.
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Gal Gadot looks to get Warner Bros and DC Comics' movie universe back on track with this stand-alone saga about the famed Amazon warrior, which will detail both her childhood origins and subsequent battle alongside Allied forces during WWI.
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
First Known Use: 1589
UNIVERSE Defined for English Language Learners
universe
playDefinition of universe for English Language Learners
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the universe : all of space and everything in it including stars, planets, galaxies, etc.
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: an area of space or a world that is similar to but separate from the one that we live in
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: 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
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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
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