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.
But what’s special about South Korean cinema is how universality is linked inextricably to their cultural specifics (which is why American remakes of New Korean Cinema have failed so disastrously). Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 28 Oct. 2024 For Qualley, the film's themes have a certain universality to them: Elisabeth and Sue are yearning for youth, fame and recognition — all things that are prized by society. Sabienna Bowman, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2024 The court and the wider international justice system centered in The Hague point to the contradictions of the liberal world order, which espouses universality in theory but in practice exonerates the West while disciplining and condemning the rest. Oumar Ba, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2021 The unending, unjust Israel-Hamas war exposes rifts in the universality of human rights and the hypocrisy of Western nations, writes Daoud Kuttab, a Palestinian journalist and former professor of journalism at Princeton University. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near universality

Cite this Entry

“Universality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universality. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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)

More from Merriam-Webster on universality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!