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.

---

multiverse British  

/ ˈmʌltɪˌvɜːs /

noun

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

---

multiverse Scientific  

/ mŭl′tə-vûrs′ /

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

---

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

See Examples For:

multiverse

Their third Spider-Man film together saw multiverse chaos break out after Peter's identity is revealed, with MJ by his side.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

The hallmark of the “Khongian” multiverse, according to her agent, Marya Spence, are the boundless souls contained within her characters’ ordinary bodies.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026

He said it was his unique position, with a foot within each world, that enabled him to bring the "Marvel" style multiverse to life - with a plotline inspired by his commute.

From BBC ● Jan. 5, 2026

Scrolling through the Sora app can feel a bit like entering a real-life multiverse.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2025

Just as deceptive is the plain language of Greene’s explanation of the multiverse.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---