multiverse

[ muhl-ti-vurs ]

noun

1. Physics. (in cosmology) a hypothetical collection of identical or diverse universes, including our own:

   It is impossible to know how many universes could exist in the multiverse.

2. a collection of linked fictional settings composed of multiple alternate dimensions, different timelines, etc.:

   The video game is overall a more accurate representation of the franchise's multiverse than its card counterpart.

multiverse

/ ˈmʌltɪˌvɜːs /

noun

1. astronomy the aggregate of all existing matter, of which the universe is but a tiny fragment

multiverse

/ mŭl′tə-vûrs′ /

1. The collection of parallel universes that comprise all of reality in some quantum mechanical and cosmological theories.

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiverse¹

Coined by William James in 1895 in the sense “the universe imagined as lacking order, unity, or a single ruling and guiding power”; multi- + (uni)verse

Example Sentences

Pietro would represent some kind of multiverse version of Pietro that would open up parallel-universe storytelling possibilities for the X-Men.

From Time

It’s an emotion that alters our understanding of the world and changes our perspective, whether it’s inspired by contemplating the multiverse, natural phenomenon, or even something scary, like a massive show of power by other humans.

From Time

The multiverse hypothesis sprang from efforts to understand our own universe’s birth.

From Nautilus

If the multiverse is just a mirage, physics may still benefit from the bounty of tools being developed to uncover it.

From Nautilus

To understand the multiverse is to understand the physics of space, which is everywhere.

From Quanta Magazine

Greene takes this further: what we call our universe is only one piece of an unbelievably vast multiverse.

From The Daily Beast

Greene describes nine different theories which imply that we are living in a vast multiverse.

From The Daily Beast

The simplest type of parallel world Greene describes is called the quilted multiverse.

From The Daily Beast

These islands make up the patchwork of a quilted multiverse.

From The Daily Beast

This is a vital point in any multiple universe, or multiverse, model.

From The Daily Beast

It is neither a universe pure and simple nor a multiverse pure and simple.

From Project Gutenberg