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

: 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

• 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

Included in Guapõ’s TikTok universe are Pink Cardigan, Guapõ’s younger sibling, and Chirssy G, their mother. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025

And there are more gameplay modifiers (known as skulls in the Halo universe) than ever before, which allow players to add some extra difficulty and chaos to their sessions. —Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025

Still, the football team ruled our athletic universe. —Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025

While on tour, Role Model has created an entire universe on social media around one moment that takes place during every show on his tour. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

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