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

Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reece Weaver is the latest Roxie Hart cast from the reality universe — a winning strategy for the longest-running musical on the Great White Way. — Rebecca Milzoff, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026

Her visual universe was shaped by Roxy Music album covers, and photographers ranging from Josef Koudelka to Irving Penn. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

While Calvinism, weaving, deeply repressed sexuality, and passages in Scottish Gaelic don’t exactly sound like the ingredient list for a riot, Stuart builds a rich universe from these seemingly spartan forms. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Marconi’s unassuming northwest suburban factory is certainly the nexus of the Chicago-style giardiniera universe. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 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