universe

noun uni·verse \ ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Examples: universe in a Sentence

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 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

See universe defined for English-language learners

See universe defined for kids

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

Visions of the future and alternate universes are inherently political, because change is political.

— emma grey ellis, WIRED, "What Brought Sense8 Back—and What Killed It in the First Place," 8 June 2018
The recent rash of discoveries of planets orbiting distant stars has ignited new interest in finding life elsewhere in the universe.

— charles s. cockell, WSJ, "The Limits of Extra-Terrestrial Freakiness," 7 June 2018
First released in April 1978, the song heralded the group’s arrival on the national scene, taking over radios like an alternate universe Beach Blanket Bingo theme tune beamed to Earth from the Planet Kitsch.

— jordan runtagh, PEOPLE.com, "The B-52s at 40: An Oral History of Their Awesomely Bizarre Beach Party Breakthrough 'Rock Lobster'," 29 May 2018
In an alternate universe, America would love this Celtics team.

— charlotte wilder, SI.com, "America Would Love These Celtics if They Weren’t From Boston," 17 May 2018
In yet another jaw-dropping interview that seemed to be broadcast from an alternate universe, venture capitalist Tim Draper tenaciously defended the failed blood testing company Theranos and its disgraced founder and CEO, Elizabeth Holmes.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Check out this surreal chat with Theranos investor who says he’s “thrilled”," 12 May 2018
There is an alternate universe in which the idea of life without Aldridge is not a hypothetical, and not pretty.

— jeff mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, "Aldridge saves Spurs’ bacon again," 20 Mar. 2018
The book tells the story of Meg Murry, a teenage girl who travels on an adventure to rescue her father who is stuck in an alternate universe.

— the root staff, The Root, "Young Futurists 2018: These Are the Leaders This Country So Desperately Needs," 19 Mar. 2018
As a scientist, Livio researched the role played by supernova explosions in determining the rate of expansion in the universe.

— mary carole mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "Ahead of book talk, Baltimore Symphony science adviser explains the psychology of curiosity," 26 May 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1589

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

universe Synonyms

Other Astronomy Terms

gibbous, nadir, nebulous, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, wax, zenith

UNIVERSE Defined for English Language Learners

universe

noun

Definition 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