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

Deadpool is recruited to help safeguard the multiverse, and unites with Wolverine to complete the mission.

From BBC

But cinematically speaking, we are certainly living in a post-“The Matrix” world intoxicated by the possibility of a multiverse, as evidenced not just by noisy superhero fare and the Oscar-winning “Everything Everywhere All at Once” but also the more lush air of enchantment and doom pervading the German import “The Universal Theory.”

From Los Angeles Times

Films that have previously been banned in Qatar include “Eternals,” “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “Lightyear” and “West Side Story,” all of which contain LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

From Los Angeles Times

So: In the metastasizing 3-D multiverse of media, where just about anyone with smartphone proficiency can create a personal video channel, will these legacy letters even register with most of the people most of the time?

From Los Angeles Times

Audience fatigue appeared heavy against an avalanche of interconnected multiverse content - from traditional blockbusters to TV series released on streaming over the pandemic.

From BBC