universe

noun

uni·​verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs How to pronounce universe (audio)
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
(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
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 fromG. 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 This will enable you to target the core consumers of nonalcoholic beverages while maintaining a separate brand universe for alcoholic beverages. Adam Holm, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 Seething about his symbiote children having betrayed and imprisoned him in some dark cavern in a distant universe, Knull dispatches a bunch of fearsome creatures called xenophages, giant spidery-reptilian things that love to snack on symbiotes. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024 The pic marks the fifth entry in Shetty’s popular cop universe. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024 In real life, Bloom and Gregor are in the first universe; the married couple has a child. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for universe 

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

Dictionary Entries Near universe

Cite this Entry

“Universe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universe. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

universe

noun
uni·​verse ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs How to pronounce universe (audio)
1
: the whole body of things observed or assumed : cosmos
2
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

More from Merriam-Webster on universe

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