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

And it signed partnerships in May with Spanish firms Indra, a defence specialist, and Multiverse computing, which develops AI software.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

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

With that reshuffle, Cumberbatch, whose character last appeared in 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” said he won’t be in “Doomsday” because his character is “not aligning with this part of the story.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2025