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

But, of course, it's only in the delusional alternative universe where Republicans live that the "status quo" is a space where victims of sexual violence typically see justice.

From Salon

The Atlanta rapper has accomplished something comparable to what Tyler, the Creator has done in L.A. over the years — build a self-contained universe around the intersection of uncompromising hip-hop, “Hesher” dirtbag aesthetics and avant-garde fashion.

From Los Angeles Times

A secret center of the musical theater universe lies almost 3,000 miles from Broadway in a modestly grand house in Toluca Lake.

From Los Angeles Times

Given the present circumstances, who wouldn’t want to escape into a universe where women could leave their inferior situation and join the Bene Gesserit, “a new family made up of women unafraid of their power”?

From Salon

The actor was unfamiliar with the ‘Dune’ universe before taking the part of Tula Harkonnen in the prequel series, but history provided ample fodder for her character.

From Los Angeles Times