ENGLISH
REFERENCE

universe

n.
US //ˈjunəˌvɝs// UK //jˈuːnɪvˌɜːs// uni·verse
  1. 1 the cosmos (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    everything that exists, including all stars, planets, and space.

    the totality of all existing matter, energy, and space, often considered as a single entity.

    Example

    Scientists are still trying to find out how large the universe actually is.

    Example

    Modern cosmology suggests that the universe has been expanding at an accelerating rate since the Big Bang.

    Usage

    usually used with the definite article 'the'
  2. 2 fictional world (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    the imaginary world where a story, movie, or game takes place.

    the internal world and established rules within which a work of fiction or a franchise exists.

    Example

    Fans love the complex history of the Star Wars universe.

    Example

    The author spent years developing the linguistic and historical background of his fantasy universe to ensure internal consistency across the trilogy.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 a specific group (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Academic Statistics

    a whole group of people or things that are being studied or considered.

    the entire set of items or individuals from which a sample is drawn or to which a study applies.

    Example

    The survey was sent to the entire universe of registered voters in the city.

    Example

    In this statistical model, the universe of discourse is limited to adult residents who have lived in the region for over five years.

    Usage

    often followed by 'of' and a noun phrase
  2. 4 social world (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    a particular area of life or a person's personal world.

    a distinct sphere of activity, experience, or social setting.

    Example

    The two brothers lived in completely different social universes.

    Example

    To the young artist, the universe of high-fashion galleries felt both intimidating and profoundly shallow.
Origin

From Middle English universe, from Old French univers, from Latin universum (“all things, as a whole, the universe”), neuter of universus (“all together, whole, entire, collective, general, literally turned or combined into one”), from uni-, combining form of unus (“one”) + versus (“turned”), perfect passive participle of vertō (“to turn”). Analyzable as uni- + -verse through backformation of -verse.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference