First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1world
noun \ˈwər(-ə)ld\
the world : the earth and all the people and things on it
: a part of the world and the people and things that exist there
: human society
Full Definition of WORLD
1
a : the earthly state of human existence b : life after death —used with a qualifier <the next world>
2
: the earth with its inhabitants and all things upon it
3
: individual course of life : career
4
: the inhabitants of the earth : the human race
5
a : the concerns of the earth and its affairs as distinguished from heaven and the life to come b : secular affairs
6
: the system of created things : universe
7
a : a division or generation of the inhabitants of the earth distinguished by living together at the same place or at the same time <the medieval world> b : a distinctive class of persons or their sphere of interest or activity <the academic world> <the digital world>
8
: human society <withdraw from the world>
9
: a part or section of the earth that is a separate independent unit
10
: the sphere or scene of one's life and action <living in your own little world>
11
: an indefinite multitude or a great quantity or distance <makes a world of difference> <a world away>
12
: the whole body of living persons : public <announced their discovery to the world>
13
: kingdom 5 <the animal world>
14
: a celestial body (as a planet)
— for all the world
: in every way : exactly <copies which look for all the world like the original>
— in the world
: among innumerable possibilities : ever —used as an intensive <what in the world is it>
— out of this world
: of extraordinary excellence : superb
See world defined for English-language learners
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Origin of WORLD
2world
adjective
: of or relating to the whole world
: extending or found throughout the world
: involving many parts of the world or the whole world
Full Definition of WORLD
1
: of or relating to the world <a world championship>
2
a : extending or found throughout the world : worldwide <brought about world peace> b : involving or applying to part of or the whole world <a world tour> <a world state> c : internationally recognized : renowned, distinguished <a world authority on gemstones>
See world defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WORLD
12th century
WORLD Defined for Kids
world
noun \ˈwərld\
Definition of WORLD for Kids
1
: earth 1 <They sailed around the world.>
2
: people in general : humanity <The whole world knows his name.>
3
: a state of existence <a future world>
4
: a great number or amount <a world of troubles>
5
: a part or section of the earth <Antarctica is a unique world.>
6
: an area of interest or activity <the world of politics>
Word History of WORLD
The original meaning of world, which goes back to Old English weorold, was “lifetime,” which makes sense in view of the word's makeup: it was a compound of Old English wer, “man,” and an element -old that meant “age” or “period of time” and is related to modern English old. Already in Old English, though, the word had extended meanings, such as “human life in general,” or “the earth and everything living on it.” These are some of its most common meanings today.
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