# cosmos

/ˈkɑzmoʊs/ (US) · /kˈɒzmɒs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cosmos
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the universe

noun · CEFR B2

the entire universe, especially when seen as a complex and orderly system.

For teachers: the universe regarded as a complex, orderly, and harmonious system. Often used in philosophical or scientific contexts to emphasize structure over randomness.

- Ancient philosophers spent their lives trying to understand the laws of the cosmos.
- Modern astrophysics continues to probe the origins of the cosmos, seeking a unified theory that explains the behavior of both galaxies and subatomic particles.

### 2. harmony and order

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

a state of perfect order and balance.

For teachers: a state of order, harmony, or completeness. This sense is often used abstractly to describe a system that functions perfectly.

- The artist tried to bring a sense of cosmos to her messy studio.
- The architect's design was praised for imposing a sense of cosmos upon the previously neglected urban landscape.

### 3. a type of flower

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a tall garden plant with colorful, daisy-like flowers.

For teachers: any of various plants of the genus Cosmos, typically featuring feathery leaves and bright, radiate flower heads.

- She planted pink and white cosmos along the garden fence.
- The gardener recommended cosmos for the border because they are drought-tolerant and provide vibrant color throughout the late summer months.

Usage: Usually refers to the garden variety Cosmos bipinnatus.

## Examples

- The cosmos contains billions of galaxies.
- Astronomers study the cosmos to understand how the universe began and how it will end.
- Ancient philosophers viewed the cosmos as a harmonious order, a concept that modern physics still echoes in its search for unified laws.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.