university

noun

uni·​ver·​si·​ty ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-sə-tē 

-ˈvər-stē

plural universities

1

: an institution of higher learning providing facilities for teaching and research and authorized to grant academic degrees

specifically : one made up of an undergraduate division which confers bachelor's degrees and a graduate division which comprises a graduate school and professional schools each of which may confer master's degrees and doctorates

2

: the physical plant of a university

Examples of university in a Sentence

I applied to several public universities.

He lives near the university.

Recent Examples on the Web

From the rivalry’s Civil War-era origins to classic games between the universities in several sports, the Border War (or Border Showdown) always makes for a boisterous environment. — Pj Green september 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

The university's band, cheerleaders and spirit squads marched through the North Shore, drawing applause and photos from fans lining the streets. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Every single judge in Centre County recused themselves ahead of Sandusky’s original trial because of ties to the university, The Second Mile charity, or Sandusky himself. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

Nearly four decades after Williams first arrived at FAMU, that connection is reaching another generation, including people who never attended the university themselves. — Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English universite, from Anglo-French université, from Medieval Latin universitat-, universitas, from Latin universus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing university

• anti-university
• go to university
• inter-university
• pre-university
• state university

Rhymes for university

• adversity
• diversity
• perversity
• biodiversity
• polydispersity

Kids Definition

university

noun

uni·​ver·​si·​ty ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-sət-ē 

-ˈvər-stē

plural universities

: a school that offers courses leading to a degree (as a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree) and where research is done