noun

universe

YOO-nih-vurs

noun

All of space, time, matter, and energy that exists.

"Scientists estimate the universe is roughly 13.8 billion years old."

"No one knows exactly how large the universe really is."

The imaginary world and set of characters that a story or franchise takes place in.

"The new film expands the superhero universe with several fresh characters."

Everything relevant to a particular subject, situation, or discussion.

"Within the universe of possible solutions, only two were realistic."

How to Use Universe

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEverything that exists, or, more loosely, the entire scope of something being discussed.

Common pairings

the vastness of the universe expand the universe fictional universe

universes plural

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Scientists estimate the _____ is roughly 13.8 billion years old.

From Latin universum, "all things as a whole," from universus, literally "turned into one" — from unus ("one") plus versus ("turned").

verse averse inverse reverse adverse diverse immerse converse perverse disperse traverse multiverse