universe

noun

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uni·verse | \ ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs

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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing universe Learn More About universe

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 One thing that’s a bit weird about some of these episodes is seeing such recognizable actors join the universe, which comes across as a little jarring. — Paul Tassi, Forbes, 3 Aug. 2022 Like Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin's writing, in this case 2018's Fire & Blood, which reads like an in-universe history book about the Targaryens rather than a novel. — Brendan Morrow, The Week, 29 July 2022 Today, players of every race typically are welcomed to a vastly cleaner, more welcoming sports universe. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 23 July 2022 The full universe of people potentially eligible for tax credits who do not claim them is unknown, as the state lacks substantial data, according to the California Policy Lab. — Mackenzie Maysstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2022 These images carry news about the early universe, the birth and death of stars, the collision of galaxies, and the atmospheres of exoplanets. — Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 18 July 2022 Smuggler’s Run, a flight simulator set in the Star Wars universe, and a 47-year-old woman who was riding Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a trackless dark ride. — Katie Rice, Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2022 Webb’s camera can see infrared light, a light the human eye cannot see, from the early universe, about 13.5 billion years ago. — Haben Kelati, Washington Post, 13 July 2022 Another day, another vintage tune gaining traction thanks to the Stranger Things universe. — Justine Browning, EW.com, 11 July 2022 See More

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.