universe

[yoo-nuh-vurs]

noun

1. the universe. the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos; macrocosm.

2. the whole world, especially with reference to humanity.

   a truth known throughout the universe.

3. a world or sphere in which something exists or prevails.

   his private universe.

4. 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.

5. Also called universe of discourse. Logic.,  the aggregate of all the objects, attributes, and relations assumed or implied in a given discussion.

6. Also called universal set. Mathematics.,  the set of all elements under discussion for a given problem.

7. Statistics.,  the entire population under study.

universe

/ ˈjuːnɪˌvɜːs /

noun

1. astronomy the aggregate of all existing matter, energy, and space

2. human beings collectively

3. a province or sphere of thought or activity

4. statistics another word for population

universe

1. 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.

Other Word Forms

• subuniverse noun
• superuniverse noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of universe¹

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”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of universe¹

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

Example Sentences

In fact, one puzzle actually utilizes the waiting room, as “Election Day” toys with the idea of traversing the human world and a puppet universe.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Dark matter is thought to make up roughly a quarter of the universe, yet its nature remains one of science's greatest mysteries.

Read more on Science Daily

Religious schools get a catchy one: God created the universe in six days, the Bible says, and rested on the seventh.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The latest Superman reboot is Warner’s launchpad for a new cinematic universe from its DC Comics brand, which is home to other characters including Batman and Wonder Woman.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Cignetti has Indiana in uncharted waters, forcing the college football universe to pay respect.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal