First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1universal
adjective uni·ver·sal \ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl\
: done or experienced by everyone : existing or available for everyone
: existing or true at all times or in all places
Full Definition of UNIVERSAL
1
: including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially : available equitably to all members of a society <universal health coverage>
2
a : present or occurring everywhere b : existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions <universal cultural patterns>
3
a : embracing a major part or the greatest portion (as of humankind) <a universal state> <universal practices> b : comprehensively broad and versatile <a universal genius>
4
a : affirming or denying something of all members of a class or of all values of a variable b : denoting every member of a class <a universal term>
5
: adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements (as of use, shape, or size) <a universal gear cutter> <a universal remote control>
— uni·ver·sal·ly \-s(ə-)lē\ adverb
— uni·ver·sal·ness \-səl-nəs\ noun
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Origin of UNIVERSAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin universalis, from universum universe
Related to UNIVERSAL
- Synonyms
- adaptable, all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile
- Antonyms
- individual, particular
Rhymes with UNIVERSAL
2universal
noun
Definition of UNIVERSAL
1
: one that is universal: as a : a universal proposition in logic b : a predicable of traditional logic c : a general concept or term or something in reality to which it corresponds : essence
2
a : a behavior pattern or institution (as the family) existing in all cultures b : a culture trait characteristic of all normal adult members of a particular society
First Known Use of UNIVERSAL
1553
UNIVERSAL[1] Defined for Kids
universal
adjective uni·ver·sal \ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl\
Definition of UNIVERSAL for Kids
1
: including, covering, or taking in all or everything <universal medical care>
2
: present or happening everywhere <universal celebration>
— uni·ver·sal·ly adverb
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