DictionaryAI

university

noun
Sayyoo-ni-VUR-si-tee/junɪˈvɝsəti//junɪˈvɜːsəti/

Pluraluniversities

2 meanings of university

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable or uncountable
    A place for advanced study after high school, where people earn degrees and carry out research.

    Like a school, but for grown-ups who want to learn a lot about one subject.

    My sister studies biology at a large university.

    He wants to go to a university in another state after high school.

    UsageSay a university (not incorrect: an university). British English often says at university, with no a or the.

    Similarcollege

    Note
  2. 2
    nounobsoleteusually singular
    The whole of a group, meaning every single member of it.
    Note

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Origin

It came through Old French from Latin. The Latin word 'universitas' meant a group of people joined into one body, from 'universus' meaning 'whole' or 'entire'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts