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

• cosmos
• creation
• macrocosm
• nature
• world

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

The platform is almost its own ecosystem within the Taylor Swift fan universe, a place where concerts are livestreamed, fan theories are exchanged, and viral trends beget mountains of content. —Mia Sato, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2024

Donald Trump, Fox News, and the other organs in the right-wing universe are holding up Berliner’s 3,500-word piece to demonize the outlet. —Oliver Darcy, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024

According to the announcement, last year’s convention was attended by 27,000 fans who came to see more than 160 cast members across the Bravo universe. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024

After all, that’s why Phoenix plays the title role rather than Jared Leto, who played the Joker in Suicide Squad and other movies in the fictional universe helmed by Zack Snyder. —EW.com, 10 Apr. 2024

Each type of soda has a different crew from the Marvel universe. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024

Across the entire universe, there is a neutron star collision every few minutes. —Chris Impey, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2024

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Release Date: February 2, 2024 The makers of the Batman: Arkham trilogy now ask you to play as the bad guys in this open-world shooter that's set in the DC universe. —PCMAG, 6 Apr. 2024

Truth Social is relatively small in the social media universe. —Joe Rennison, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024

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

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