universe

noun

uni·​verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs 

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(1)

: the world of human experience

(2)

: an area of space or a world similar to the world of human experience

believes that alternate universes exist

c(1)

often Universe : the entire celestial cosmos

The Milky Way was so vast that it was thought to contain the entire physical Universe.

—Paul Levesque

(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

The campus is its own little universe.

Their child is the center of their universe.

New York City has long been the center of the publishing universe.

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 of universe

• world
• nature
• creation

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

In an alternative universe, Pogačar too could have been donning one of its lids. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 4 July 2026

In this latest spinoff from the Taylor Sheridan universe, Montana falls away to the far away lands of Rio Paloma, Texas—trouble nevertheless follows. — Alex Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026

Convinced of this, Einstein abandoned his model of the static universe. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026

Though Beth and Rip remained at the heart of the story, Dutton Ranch also introduced several new faces to Taylor Sheridan's television universe, including Ed Harris, Jai Courtney, Annette Bening and Natalie Alyn Lind. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing universe

• center of someone's universe
• island universe
• the universe
• universe of discourse

Rhymes for universe

• reimburse
• adverse
• averse
• coerce
• disburse
• disperse
• diverse
• immerse
• inverse
• obverse
• perverse
• rehearse

Kids Definition

universe

noun

uni·​verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs 

1

: the whole body of things observed or assumed : cosmos

2

: universal set

Etymology

from Latin universum "whole body of things that exist," from universus "whole, entire," literally, "turned into one," from uni- "one" and versus "turned toward," from vertere "to turn" — related to anniversary, converse, unicorn, versatile