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 The 68-year-old Hollywood icon has yet to attach herself to a Star Wars project, though she's famously portrayed the character Guinan across several different projects in the Star Trek universe. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 3 June 2024 In the 1990s, a NASA satellite, the Cosmic Background Explorer, revealed tiny temperature ripples within the cosmic microwaves — fingerprints pointing to what the early universe looked like. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 3 June 2024 In February 2024, NBC announced its plans for a spin-off series, titled Suits: L.A. which which will be set in the same universe as the original legal drama. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 3 June 2024 Discovery as a pioneering show that laid the groundwork for later additions to the Star Trek universe. Anandita Bhalerao, NPR, 31 May 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 8 Jun. 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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