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 universe of discourse. Logic.,  the aggregate of all the objects, attributes, and relations assumed or implied in a given discussion.

6. Also called universal 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

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 Word Forms

• subuniverse noun
• superuniverse 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

While Pasadena will be the center of the rock and roll universe this weekend, Oasis posted a live map of pre-parties and band-historic sites in Los Angeles where the devoted can take a pilgrimage.

From Los Angeles Times

For someone to get you so effortlessly that even the mundane task of grocery shopping feels comforting is an anti-loneliness gift from the universe.

From Los Angeles Times

From AI-native studios to interactive platforms, a new generation of storytellers is challenging Hollywood’s role as the center of the entertainment universe.

From Los Angeles Times

Almost as if in a parallel universe, Kennedy told senators on Thursday that his goal was to achieve the same thing, after facing hours of criticism on his vaccine policies.

From Los Angeles Times

Talks of expanding “The Office” universe began as early as Season 3, when another office branch was introduced.

From Los Angeles Times