metaverse

American  

[met-uh-vurs] / ˈmɛt əˌvɜrs /

noun

Digital Technology.

1. (in science fiction) a shared, realistic, and immersive computer simulation of the real world or other possible worlds, in which people participate as digital avatars.

2. a theoretical or emergent networked online space with digitally persistent environments that people inhabit, as avatars, for synchronous interactions and experiences, accessing the shared virtual space through virtual reality, augmented reality, game consoles, mobile devices, or conventional computers.

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metaverse British  

/ ˈmɛtəˌvɜːs /

noun

1. a 3D virtual world, esp in an online role-playing game

2. the universe as portrayed in a given work of fiction

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Etymology

Origin of metaverse

From meta- ( def. ) + (uni)verse ( def. ); coined by U.S. author Neal Stephenson (born 1959) in his cyberpunk novel Snow Crash (1992)

Example Sentences

As part of the new brand strategy, Zuckerberg appointed Bosworth chief technology officer and announced plans to focus on building the so-called metaverse with him at the helm.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

The cuts hit Meta’s Reality Labs division, where employees work on the metaverse, digital spaces where people socialize, work and learn.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

And just as we saw for crypto and the metaverse, plenty of other failing businesses are going to take the hasty survival fund even if it ends in disaster.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

In recent months, Meta has been shuttering its metaverse initiatives that were under its Reality Labs division, instead concentrating resources on more mainstream AI.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

It seems as if the key players in the metaverse are also admitting defeat.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026