universe

noun

uni·verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs

Synonyms of universe next

: the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated : cosmos: such as

: a systematic whole held to arise by and persist through the direct intervention of divine power

: 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

: a distinct field or province of thought or reality that forms a closed system or self-inclusive and independent organization

: population sense 4

: a set that contains all elements relevant to a particular discussion or problem

: a great number or quantity

a large enough universe of stocks … to choose from—

G. B. Clairmont

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 As the Michelin universe expands, restaurateurs and chefs across the country voiced their thoughts on what the dining guides mean in today’s culinary world. —

Eric Kim, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2023 But as 9to5Google notes, Duo still lives on in the Nest Hub Max universe. —

Josh Hendrickson, PCMAG, 18 Sep. 2023 But in the Lanserhof universe, health and longevity begin and end with — or rather, in — the gut. —

Maria Shollenbarger, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2023 The series is a perfect place for Telltale to work its magic, given the studio’s breakthrough success adapting The Walking Dead and later working in the Game of Thrones universe. —

WIRED, 16 Sep. 2023 From our perspective down here, on the surface of our planet, the stars are tiny, gleaming specks in an inky-dark universe. —

Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2023 The last few records, that’s always been in the back of my mind: Will this work in the country music universe? —

From Wire Reports, Dallas News, 15 Sep. 2023 Virtual avatars in Meta’s Horizon Worlds universe have gained legs, according to UploadVR. —

Chris Welch, The Verge, 15 Sep. 2023 Perhaps the brightest persona in this drag universe was Ethyl Eichelberger. —

Hugh Ryan, Curbed, 12 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'universe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of universe was in 1589

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Universe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universe. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

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Kids Definition

universe

noun

uni·verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs

: the whole body of things observed or assumed : cosmos

: 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