universe

[ yoo-nuh-vurs ]

noun

1. the universe. the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos; macrocosm.
2. the whole world, especially with reference to humanity:

   a truth known throughout the universe.

3. a world or sphere in which something exists or prevails:

   his private universe.

4. in New Age philosophy and popular culture, a divine but nonpersonal being, consciousness, or field of energy believed to connect everything that is, allowing the interaction of the physical with the spiritual and thought with reality.
5. Also called u·ni·verse of dis·course [yoo, -n, uh, -vurs , uh, v , dis, -kawrs]. Logic. the aggregate of all the objects, attributes, and relations assumed or implied in a given discussion.
6. Also called u·ni·ver·sal set [yoo, -n, uh, -vur-s, uh, l , set]. Mathematics. the set of all elements under discussion for a given problem.
7. Statistics. the entire population under study.

universe

/ ˈjuːnɪˌvɜːs /

noun

1. astronomy the aggregate of all existing matter, energy, and space
2. human beings collectively
3. a province or sphere of thought or activity
4. statistics another word for population

universe

/ yo̅o̅′nə-vûrs′ /

1. The totality of matter, energy, and space, including the Solar System, the galaxies, and the contents of the space between the galaxies. Current theories of cosmology suggest that the universe is constantly expanding.

Other Words From

• sub·u·ni·verse noun
• su·per·u·ni·verse noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of universe¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Old French univers, from Latin ūniversum, noun use of neuter of ūniversus “all, entire,” literally, “turned into one,” from ūni- uni- + versus “turned” (past participle of vertere “to turn”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of universe¹

C16: from French univers, from Latin ūniversum the whole world, from ūniversus all together, from uni- + vertere to turn

Example Sentences

Long the economic engine that has powered the company, Disney’s theme park finances have been closely watched by analysts, particularly as rival Universal plans to debut its Epic Universe theme park in Orlando next year.

From Los Angeles Times

The two-time Oscar nominee, known for his roles as William James in “The Hurt Locker” and the arrow-slinging Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will head the nearly 100-year-old parade.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a life-changing moment when you catch sight of the ISS there in the eternity of the universe - seeing this little bubble of life, a microcosm of human creativity in the blackness,” he says.

From BBC

But another questioned whether they were living in a "weird parallel universe", adding: "Is this a really early April Fool?"

From BBC

His role as Spider-Man saw him star in three of the superhero films alongside Zendaya, as well as other appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

From BBC