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 In this universe, a spite store seems like a reasonable proposition. Boris Kachka, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 Slowly, Srinivas was making his way through the Google universe, and putting some of his AI research work to good use. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 21 Mar. 2024 The Ghostbusters universe seems to be getting awfully crowded. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2024 We’re not made from these little localized things that move around in a universe. Isaac Schultz / Gizmodo, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 Marvel fans and board game enthusiasts will love this expansion of Ravensburger's Villainous universe, made for 2 to 12 players. Deanna McCormack, Parents, 19 Mar. 2024 But if eclipses are a reminder of people’s place in a vast universe, weather complications in chasing them – which once included trying to watch an eclipse in Georgia next to a chicken coop in the rain – were also a reminder to him of all that is beyond our human control. Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 In this alternate universe, which for Jin appears as a version of imperial China, the mercurial gravitational forces of a trio of suns render survival impossible. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 The film starts with a very personal story, and gradually expands toward a bigger universe where justice fails you, but there is hope for the future. Savina Petkova, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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

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