multiverse

American  

[muhl-ti-vurs] / ˈmʌl tɪˌvɜrs /

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.

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multiverse British  

/ ˈmʌltɪˌvɜːs /

noun

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

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multiverse Scientific  

/ mŭl′tə-vûrs′ /

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

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Etymology

Origin of multiverse

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

Explanation

The term multiverse is used in both physics and fiction: It refers to a theoretical collection of universes that may exist alongside our own, though we cannot experience the other universes directly. While the actual existence of a multiverse hasn't been proven, it remains an intriguing idea that suggests that our universe might be just one small bubble in a much larger reality. The term swaps the uni- prefix (meaning "one") of the word universe with multi- (meaning "many"). The concept of a multiverse is not limited to theoretical physics. It's also a storytelling device used in video games, movies, and books to explore alternate "what if" scenarios.

Example Sentences

Multiverse, an education-tech company in London, states that its mission is to advance AI adoption.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

Being an alumnus of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, home to the Multiverse of Madness, Gunn knows this.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2025

Sir Patrick, meanwhile, last reprised his Professor Charles Xavier role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2025

Patrick Stewart will appear in “Doomsday” as Professor Charles Xavier, after making a brief cameo as the character in 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2025

Multiverse and time-travel movies are ubiquitous these days — which I suppose has a certain kind of meta logic considering the subject.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2024