easy
The universe includes every galaxy, star, and planet.
What does Universe mean?
everything that exists, or a particular imagined world or sphere.
Dictionary definition
All space, time, matter, and energy—everything that exists as a whole; universe can also mean an imagined world or a distinct sphere of activity or experience.
Example sentences
Universe in a sentence
medium
Our solar system occupies a tiny part of the universe.
hard
Scientists use telescopes and other instruments to study how the universe has changed over time.
medium
The novel takes place in an imagined universe with its own history.
hard
The museum introduced students to the universe of modern design.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice universe in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Commonly confused words
University or universe?
Compare the meanings, then choose a word for each new sentence.
University
An institution for higher education and research.
In a sentence My aunt studies at a university.
Universe
All of space and everything in it.
In a sentence Stars and galaxies are part of the universe.
Spot the difference University is a place of higher education. Universe means everything in space and time.
Which word fits?
Choose university or universe for each blank. Say your answer, then check why it fits.
1The ___ offers courses in art and science.
Check answer 1
university — The sentence names an educational institution.
2Astronomers study the stars and galaxies in the ___.
Check answer 2
universe — The sentence concerns everything in space.
Make it your ownTry the word in a sentence about your day.
Write a sentence with universeQuick practice
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Practice the meaning of Universe
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does universe mean?
The universe includes all space and everything within it.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses universe correctly?
The universe contains every galaxy, including the Milky Way.
Practice 3
Choose the best word: A rule that applies everywhere can be called _____.
Universal belongs to the word family of universe and means applying everywhere or to everyone.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Universe
Voice settings
Sounds like
yoo · nuh · vurs · strongest beat: yoo
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUniverse.
Partnoun.
MeaningUniverse means everything that exists, or a particular imagined world or sphere.
ExampleExample: The universe includes every galaxy, star, and planet.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- yoo · nuh · vurs
- Strongest beat
- yoo
- Ending
- vurs
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on yoo.
Your turn
Say Universe
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Coach
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced universe.
Synonyms
Words like Universe
cosmosA close synonym for the universe understood as an ordered whole.
worldA close synonym when universe means an imagined setting or a distinct sphere of experience, not always for the entire physical cosmos.
Antonym review
Does Universe have an opposite?
Universe means everything that exists, an imagined world, or a distinct sphere and has no precise direct antonym. Nothingness and a single world are contrasts in some contexts, not lexical opposites across the senses.
Synonym practice
Want to practice universe synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The book described the universe beyond our planet," then compare close word choices. Practice universe synonyms.
Word family
Universe word family
Base word
universe
noun
universes
More than one universe in a hypothetical model or fictional setting.
adjective
universal
Applying to everyone or everything, or found throughout the universe.
adverb
universally
In a way that applies everywhere or to everyone.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Universe
Hint for students
Context shows whether universe means everything physical, an imagined world, or a distinct field of experience.
Common mix-up
The physical universe is not the same as a galaxy or solar system. In stories and everyday language, universe can also mean an imagined world or a distinct sphere.
Try it in class or at home
Students arrange planet, solar system, galaxy, and universe cards from smallest setting to largest, add a contains arrow between each pair, and write a paragraph explaining the nesting.
Teacher prompt
Compare the physical universe, a fictional universe, and the universe of music. What changes and what idea of a complete world or sphere remains?
Word Wheel · Grades 4–6
Practice with the Grades 4–6 Space Words Wheel
Spin this Space Words wheel to connect astronomy systems, forces, events, observation tools, and precise scientific meanings.
Learning activities
Practice Universe and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice UNIVERSE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice UNIVERSE
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with UNIVERSE
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
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Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice UNIVERSE
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes UNIVERSE.
Practice UNIVERSE
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words