university

The word “university” means an institution of higher education offering degrees, teaching, and research. In plain terms, a school for higher-level study after secondary school, offering degrees.

“University” is pronounced yoo-nih-VUR-suh-tee (/ˌjunəˈvərsədi/ in IPA).

Here is “university” used in a sentence: “She is studying biology at university.”

Words with a similar meaning to “university” include academy, college, institute, uni and varsity.

“University” is a noun.

The word “university” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French universite, from Medieval Latin universitas, originally meaning "a community or guild of persons," from Latin universus ("whole, entire").

“University” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

A university is a large institution that awards degrees across many subjects and usually carries out research, often housing several colleges or faculties. A college is generally smaller, may focus on undergraduate teaching, and in some countries offers diplomas rather than full degrees. Usage varies: in the US, "college" often just means higher education generally.

Universities come in several forms: public universities funded largely by the state, and private ones funded by fees and endowments. Others are known for a focus, such as research universities, technical universities, and open or distance-learning universities. They range from ancient, historic institutions to modern campuses built in recent decades.

Oxford, Harvard, and the University of Tokyo are well-known examples: large institutions offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across many disciplines while conducting research. On a smaller scale, any accredited body that teaches students to degree level and grants those qualifications counts as a university, whatever its size or age.