universe

noun uni·verse \ ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs \

|Updated on: 20 Aug 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

Two-hundred miles away, the six-story townhouse in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood feels like a different universe.

— candace taylor, WSJ, "Inside the Many, Many Homes of This Jewelry Billionaire," 12 July 2018
Since the late 80s, the man who releases prank calls as Longmont Potion Castle has created a DIY surrealist universe, complete with a ludicrous nomenclature all its own, disorienting sound collages, and bizarro instrumental interludes.

— jamie ludwig, Chicago Reader, "Stephanie Marlow of Indie Publicity on a brutal band with a soft spot for pitties," 10 July 2018
Harlan was taken to an alternate universe by strange and curious aliens.

— latimes.com, "Calendar Letters: Harlan Ellison's jitterbug, protest songs and healthcare, Joe Jackson's legacy," 7 July 2018
The vintage dealer turned designer’s Instagram, @SquashBlossomVintage, is a transportive universe populated with her two cherubic children and the greenery of northern California.

— liana satenstein, Vogue, "Cult Instagram Account @SquashBlossomVintage Has Created the Ultimate Granola-Chic Jumpsuit," 3 July 2018
The fiction is a universe, the nonfiction is an argument.

— michelle weber, Longreads, "Arundhati Roy: “Fiction is a Universe”," 26 June 2018
The Devil Wears Prada, The Hills, Ugly Betty, and countless other shows set in fashion infamously presented a frigid, woman-eat-woman universe.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "The Bold Type Is TV's Best Depiction of Female Friendship," 12 June 2018
There will also be a new Wolfenstein game next year, set in an alternate-universe 1980s and starring the twin daughters of Nazi-murder-machine BJ Blaskowicz.

— julie muncy, WIRED, "The Biggest Surprises (and Missed Opportunities) of the E3 Press Conferences," 12 June 2018
Dumpling pro Ker Zhu of Mason’s Dumpling Shop walks us through the particulars Chinese dumplings, or jaiozi, are a universe unto themselves.

— jean trinh, Los Angeles Magazine, "Boiled, Steamed, or Pan Fried? A Guide to Chinese Dumplings," 5 June 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