world: Meaning and Definition of

world

Pronunciation: (wûrld), [key]
— n.
  1. the earth or globe, considered as a planet.
  2. (often cap.) a particular division of the earth: the Western world.
  3. the earth or a part of it, with its inhabitants, affairs, etc., during a particular period: the ancient world.
  4. humankind; the human race; humanity: The world must eliminate war and poverty.
  5. the public generally: The whole world knows it.
  6. the class of persons devoted to the affairs, interests, or pursuits of this life: The world worships success.
  7. a particular class of people, with common interests, aims, etc.: the fashionable world.
  8. any sphere, realm, or domain, with all pertaining to it: a child's world; the world of dreams; the insect world.
  9. everything that exists; the universe; the macrocosm.
  10. any complex whole conceived as resembling the universe: the world of the microcosm.
  11. one of the three general groupings of physical nature: animal world; mineral world; vegetable world.
  12. any period, state, or sphere of existence: this world; the world to come.
  13. Often,a great deal: That vacation was worlds of fun.
  14. any indefinitely great expanse.
  15. any heavenly body: the starry worlds.
  16. My grandmother brought nine children into the world.
    1. to give birth to; bear:My grandmother brought nine children into the world.
    2. to deliver (a baby):the doctor brought many children into the world.
  17. to be born: Her first child came into the world in June.
  18. She wouldn't come to visit us for all the world.
    1. for any consideration, however great:She wouldn't come to visit us for all the world.
    2. in every respect; precisely:You look for all the world like my Aunt Mary.
  19. I never in the world would have believed such an obvious lie.
    1. at all; ever:I never in the world would have believed such an obvious lie.
    2. from among all possibilities:Where in the world did you find that hat?
  20. See (def. 25).
  21. exceptional; fine: The chef prepared a roast duck that was out of this world.
  22. to achieve great fame and success: He didn't seem to be the type to set the world on fire.
  23. to like or admire greatly: His coworkers think the world of him.
  24. for all eternity; for always.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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