universality

noun

uni·​ver·​sal·​i·​ty ˌyü-nə-(ˌ)vər-ˈsa-lə-tē How to pronounce universality (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being universal
2
: universal comprehensiveness in range

Examples of universality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The story’s universality is born from its cultural specificity, as a mid-‘90s tale of a Bay Area outsider, who feels alien both in his social life as well as at home. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 Social Security’s popularity comes from its universality, and if well-off people see their benefits reduced, the program could lose some of its widespread appeal. — Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 Instead, we’re left with a film about the universality of great novels that can’t quite figure out how to make a book about reading feel cinematic. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 10 July 2026 Technically, Prada could be added to the co-ed list, although there, the female models were used more to illustrate the universality of the garments on show than to highlight their gendered differences. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for universality

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of universality was in the 15th century

Rhymes for universality

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Browse Nearby Words

universalistic hedonism
universality
universalization
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Cite this Entry

“Universality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universality. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

universality

noun
uni·​ver·​sal·​i·​ty ˌyü-nə-(ˌ)vər-ˈsal-ət-ē How to pronounce universality (audio)
: the quality or state of being universal (as in range, occurrence, or appeal)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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