1
a
: the earthly state of human existence
b
: life after death
—used with a qualifier
the next world
2
: the earth with its inhabitants and all things upon it
3
: individual course of life : career
4
: the inhabitants of the earth : the human race
5
a
: the concerns of the earth and its affairs as distinguished from heaven and the life to come
b
: secular affairs
6
: the system of created things : universe
7
a
: a division or generation of the inhabitants of the earth distinguished by living together at the same place or at the same time
the medieval world
b
: a distinctive class of persons or their sphere of interest or activity
the academic world
the digital world
8
: human society
withdraw from the world
9
: a part or section of the earth that is a separate independent unit
10
: the sphere or scene of one's life and action
living in your own little world
11
: an indefinite multitude or a great quantity or distance
makes a world of difference
a world away
12
: the whole body of living persons : public
announced their discovery to the world
13
: kingdom sense 4
the animal world
14
: a celestial body (such as a planet)
1
: of or relating to the world
a world championship
2
a
: extending or found throughout the world : worldwide
brought about world peace
b
: involving or applying to part of or the whole world
a world tour
a world state
c
: internationally recognized : renowned, distinguished
a world authority on gemstones
Synonyms
Examples of world in a Sentence
Noun
the countries of the world
He is famous throughout the world.
They sailed around the world.
It can be found anywhere in the world.
The product is shipped halfway around the world.
The problem occurs in many parts of the world.
The island was cut off from the rest of the world.
They want to see the world.
the Eastern and Western worlds
people living in the English-speaking world
Adjective
She broke the world record.
They won the world championship.
a world authority on gemstones
Recent Examples on the Web
Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2024
Even though the years ahead may be rough, as climate warms beyond what had been hoped for, these scientists are feeling urgent optimism for what could be the first generation to achieve a sustainable world.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024
But despite its beloved status, the cheesy foodstuff is at the heart of a contentious cultural debate in a corner of the metal world.
—Tamlin Magee, SPIN, 22 Apr. 2024
To see the familiar faces, to hear the old story, to think about the old song — such remembrances tether us, however frayed and fragile the gossamer of grief, to a world transformed.
—Jenny Boully, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024
That twisted inner world is beautifully realized in a shadowy mélange of fringe and ruffles by the designer Tom Scutt, whose bawdy, under-the-big-top scenic and costume design is a feat of textures and deep, muted colors.
—Naveen Kumar, Variety, 22 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, in the shoe department of the fashion world, the luxury Italian fashion house Schiaparelli released its first-ever sneaker.
—Essence, 22 Apr. 2024
The traditional layout offers the best of both worlds: large spaces to entertain large groups of family and friends, as well as cozy and secluded rooms.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2024
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has expended huge sums of political and financial capital on wooing the countries of the developing world, especially in Africa.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2024
Joshunda Sanders, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Feb. 2023
At the Boulevard Riyadh, the quasi-world fair, women in black niqabs joined more colorfully attired attendees in enjoying music acts that would have been deemed impossibly risque a few years ago.
—Nabih Bulosstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2022
Most Africans who adhere non-world religions are shifting to Islam or Christianity.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2010
Drama ensues, and so does a multi-year, cross-world tale of loving your family.
—Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 26 Apr. 2022
The new numbers are just the latest evidence that this is the world American workers are living in right now.
—New York Times, 3 Dec. 2021
At one point, Borgov offers Beth a draw, which would leave her co-world champion.
—Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, 26 Oct. 2020
The former two-time United States Olympian and multi-world record holder was going to make sure his student-athletes stayed safe while addressing their physical and mental needs.
—Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, 17 Sep. 2020
The goal was to turn mainland Chinese citizens and world public opinion against the movement.
—Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 June 2020
Noun
Bluetooth allows information such as music, messages and apps to be transferred without wires or the internet, making a great hands-free way to stay connected to the digital world.
—Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2024
Even though the years ahead may be rough, as climate warms beyond what had been hoped for, these scientists are feeling urgent optimism for what could be the first generation to achieve a sustainable world.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024
But despite its beloved status, the cheesy foodstuff is at the heart of a contentious cultural debate in a corner of the metal world.
—Tamlin Magee, SPIN, 22 Apr. 2024
To see the familiar faces, to hear the old story, to think about the old song — such remembrances tether us, however frayed and fragile the gossamer of grief, to a world transformed.
—Jenny Boully, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024
That twisted inner world is beautifully realized in a shadowy mélange of fringe and ruffles by the designer Tom Scutt, whose bawdy, under-the-big-top scenic and costume design is a feat of textures and deep, muted colors.
—Naveen Kumar, Variety, 22 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, in the shoe department of the fashion world, the luxury Italian fashion house Schiaparelli released its first-ever sneaker.
—Essence, 22 Apr. 2024
The traditional layout offers the best of both worlds: large spaces to entertain large groups of family and friends, as well as cozy and secluded rooms.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2024
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has expended huge sums of political and financial capital on wooing the countries of the developing world, especially in Africa.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Some anti-world entity swooped in, lifting me from one body and dropping me into another.
—Joshunda Sanders, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Feb. 2023
At the Boulevard Riyadh, the quasi-world fair, women in black niqabs joined more colorfully attired attendees in enjoying music acts that would have been deemed impossibly risque a few years ago.
—Nabih Bulosstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2022
Most Africans who adhere non-world religions are shifting to Islam or Christianity.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2010
Drama ensues, and so does a multi-year, cross-world tale of loving your family.
—Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 26 Apr. 2022
The new numbers are just the latest evidence that this is the world American workers are living in right now.
—New York Times, 3 Dec. 2021
At one point, Borgov offers Beth a draw, which would leave her co-world champion.
—Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, 26 Oct. 2020
The former two-time United States Olympian and multi-world record holder was going to make sure his student-athletes stayed safe while addressing their physical and mental needs.
—Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, 17 Sep. 2020
The goal was to turn mainland Chinese citizens and world public opinion against the movement.
—Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 June 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'world.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near world
Cite this Entry
“World.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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