universality

noun

uni·​ver·​sal·​i·​ty ˌyü-nə-(ˌ)vər-ˈsa-lə-tē How to pronounce universality (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being universal
2
: universal comprehensiveness in range

Examples of universality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bekah and Brunstetter said the creative team, including directors Michael Greif and Schele Williams, made that choice to underscore the universality of the tale. Gordon Cox, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 The strength of Buzan’s approach is its universality, weaving the complex evolution of modern society into a single story. Barry Buzan, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 This column remains dedicated to tales told with fizz and real feeling; to illustrations of the highest excellence; to children’s books that, whatever their specific themes or settings or characters, have a strong quality of universality. Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, 6 Dec. 2023 The band pairs its own unique originality with a sense of universality. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2023 These women embody universality and the perfect harmony between the body and nature. Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2023 There’s also a universality to her cooking that transcends region, even though her food is deeply rooted in the South. Joe Yonan, Washington Post, 21 Jan. 2024 By zeroing in on their story, the film transforms the specifics of their struggle into universalities both dispiriting and aspirational. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 29 Dec. 2023 That big concept revered the universality of those dead or alive but forever lifelike in a print. Michelle Orange, Harper's Magazine, 12 Dec. 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of universality was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near universality

Cite this Entry

“Universality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universality. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

universality

noun
uni·​ver·​sal·​i·​ty ˌyü-nə-(ˌ)vər-ˈsal-ət-ē How to pronounce universality (audio)
: the quality or state of being universal (as in range, occurrence, or appeal)

More from Merriam-Webster on universality

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