universe
noun
uni·verse
ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs 
1
: the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated : cosmos: such as
a
: a systematic whole held to arise by and persist through the direct intervention of divine power
b
: the world of human experience
c(1)
: the entire celestial cosmos
(2)
(3)
: an aggregate of stars comparable to the Milky Way galaxy
2
: a distinct field or province of thought or reality that forms a closed system or self-inclusive and independent organization
4
: a set that contains all elements relevant to a particular discussion or problem
5
: a great number or quantity
a large enough universe of stocks … to choose from—
G. B. Clairmont
G. B. ClairmontExamples of universe in a Sentence
How many stars are there in the universe?
It means more to me than anything else in the entire universe.
She is convinced that parallel universes exist.
He creates his own universe in his novels.
New York City is the center of the publishing universe.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ruffalo is a major player in Disney’s Marvel universe, which could make his support more influential as the media titan negotiates with Kimmel on next steps.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
—Sarah Lewin Frasier, Scientific American, 19 Sep. 2025
Past a stories-tall space man, the windowless Atlas 9 building looks as though it’s fallen from another universe.
—Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025
With news that The Conjuring House is scheduled to be sold at auction on Halloween, does that mean the paranormal attraction that helped spawn a popular movie universe is close to reopening after the town had shut it down last December?
—Paul Edward Parker, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for universe
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Jack Dunn, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
—Sarah Lewin Frasier, Scientific American, 19 Sep. 2025
Past a stories-tall space man, the windowless Atlas 9 building looks as though it’s fallen from another universe.
—Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025
With news that The Conjuring House is scheduled to be sold at auction on Halloween, does that mean the paranormal attraction that helped spawn a popular movie universe is close to reopening after the town had shut it down last December?
—Paul Edward Parker, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for universe
Cite this Entry
“Universe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universe. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
universe
noun
uni·verse
ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs
1
: the whole body of things observed or assumed : cosmos
2
Etymology
from Latin universum "whole body of things that exist," from universus "whole, entire," literally, "turned into one," from uni- "one" and versus "turned toward," from vertere "to turn" — related to anniversary, converse, unicorn, versatile
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