universe

[ yoo-nuh-vurs ]

See synonyms for universe on Thesaurus.com

noun

the universe. the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos; macrocosm.
the whole world, especially with reference to humanity: a truth known throughout the universe.

a world or sphere in which something exists or prevails: his private universe.
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.
Also called u·ni·verse of dis·course [yoo-nuh-vursuhv dis-kawrs] /ˈyu nəˌvɜrs əv ˈdɪs kɔrs/ .Logic. the aggregate of all the objects, attributes, and relations assumed or implied in a given discussion.
Also called u·ni·ver·sal set [yoo-nuh-vur-suhl set] /ˈyu nəˌvɜr səl ˈsɛt/ .Mathematics. the set of all elements under discussion for a given problem.
Statistics. the entire population under study.

Origin of universe

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”)

Other words from universe

sub·u·ni·verse, noun
su·per·u·ni·verse, noun

Words Nearby universe

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use universe in a sentence

The sequels will contain anything from the Expanded universe.
Juiciest ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Rumors (and Some Debunked Ones) | Rich Goldstein | January 3, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
Nerd Cruise By Adam Rogers, Wired What 800 Nerds on a Cruise Ship Taught Me About Life, the universe, and Snorkeling.
The Daily Beast’s Best Longreads, Dec 22-28, 2014 | William Boot | December 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
A more recent phenomenon in the political universe is politicians of Hispanic heritage who are not fluent in Spanish.
Which Potential Candidates Speak Spanish—and Will It Matter? | Eleanor Clift | December 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
It's about the delicate fabric of the universe and how our fragile insides crumble when that fabric is torn.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days | David Freeman | December 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
What should fans of the DC universe expect to see with the new Secret Six?
Gail Simone’s Bisexual Catman and the ‘Secret Six’ | Rich Goldstein | December 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

Because the universe is governed by laws, and there is no credible instance on record of those laws being suspended.
God and my Neighbour | Robert Blatchford
The world may end, the heavens fall, yet loving voices would still find an echo in the ruins of the universe.
Pearls of Thought | Maturin M. Ballou
Yet will not the heart be bereaved of its vision; it still sees a smile of tenderness in the universe.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature | Moncure Daniel Conway
Then came the world's revolutioniser, steam, and no place in the universe has profited more by its introduction than this town.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham | Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
As far above the interference of man as is the government of the external universe, is that designated the covenant, as ordained.
The Ordinance of Covenanting | John Cunningham

British Dictionary definitions for universe

universe

/ (ˈjuːnɪˌvɜːs) /

noun

astronomy the aggregate of all existing matter, energy, and space
human beings collectively

a province or sphere of thought or activity
statistics another word for population (def. 7)

Origin of universe

C16: from French univers, from Latin ūniversum the whole world, from ūniversus all together, from uni- + vertere to turn

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for universe

universe

[ yōō′nə-vûrs′ ]

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.

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