universe
noun
uni·verse
ˈyü-nə-ˌvərs
1
: the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated : cosmos: such as
a
: a systematic whole held to arise by and persist through the direct intervention of divine power
b(1)
: the world of human experience
(2)
: an area of space or a world similar to the world of human experience
believes that alternate universes exist
c(1)
often Universe
: the entire celestial cosmos
The Milky Way was so vast that it was thought to contain the entire physical Universe.—Paul Levesque
(2)
(3)
: an aggregate of stars comparable to the Milky Way galaxy
2
: a distinct field or province of thought or reality that forms a closed system or self-inclusive and independent organization
The campus is its own little universe.
Their child is the center of their universe.
New York City has long been the center of the publishing universe.
4
: a set that contains all elements relevant to a particular discussion or problem
5
: a great number or quantity
… a large enough universe of stocks … to choose from.—G. B. Clairmont
Cite this Entry
“Universe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universe. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.
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