world

[[t]wɜrld[/t]]

n.

1) the earth or globe, considered as a planet

2) (often cap.) a particular division of the earth:

the Western world[/ex]

3) the earth or a part of it, with its inhabitants, affairs, etc., during a particular period:

the ancient world[/ex]

4) humankind; the human race; humanity

5) the public generally:

The whole world knows it[/ex]

6) the class of persons devoted to the affairs, interests, or pursuits of this life:

The world worships success[/ex]

7) a particular class of people, with common interests, aims, etc.:

the fashionable world[/ex]

8) any sphere, realm, or domain, with all pertaining to it:

the world of dreams[/ex]

9) everything that exists; the universe; the macrocosm

10) one of the three general groupings of physical nature:

animal world; mineral world; vegetable world[/ex]

11) any period, state, or sphere of existence:

this world; the world to come[/ex]

12) cvb Often, worlds. a great deal:

That trip was worlds of fun[/ex]

13) any indefinitely great expanse

14) any heavenly body:

the starry worlds[/ex]

•

- bring into the world come into the world for all the world in the world out of this world think the world of world without end

Etymology: bef. 900; ME; OE w(e)orld, c. OS werold, OHG weralt, ON verǫld, all < Gmc *wer-ald- lit., age of man