world
21 synonyms and 0 antonyms for world, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The Earth, along with all its people, countries, and cultures.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use world
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English "weorold," originally meaning something like "age of man" — combining an old word for "man" with a word for "age."
Full origin of world →Frequently asked questions
What does “world” mean?
The word “world” means the Earth, along with all its people, countries, and cultures. In plain terms, the Earth and everyone on it, or more loosely, any particular sphere of life or a fictional planet.
How do you pronounce “world”?
“World” is pronounced wurld (/wɜɹld/ in IPA).
How do you use “world” in a sentence?
Here is “world” used in a sentence: “She has traveled to over forty countries around the world.”
What part of speech is “world”?
“World” is a noun.
Where does the word “world” come from?
The word “world” comes from Old English. From Old English "weorold," originally meaning something like "age of man" — combining an old word for "man" with a word for "age.".
Is “world” a common word?
“World” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “world” have?
“World” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the Earth, along with all its people, countries, and cultures.
What is the difference between the world and the Earth?
'Earth' names the physical planet, the rock, water, and atmosphere in space. 'World' usually means the Earth together with its people, countries, and cultures, or human life in general. So astronauts orbit the Earth, but a discovery can change the world. 'World' carries the human and social meaning.
What is the difference between world and globe?
'Globe' refers to the Earth as a physical sphere, or to a spherical model of it, as in 'travelling the globe.' 'World' is broader, taking in the planet's people, societies, and affairs. You can spin a globe on a desk, but you cannot hold the world in the same physical sense.
What are the different meanings of 'world'?
'World' can mean the planet Earth and everyone on it, all of humanity ('the world is watching'), a particular sphere of activity ('the art world'), or a realm of experience ('the natural world'). It can even mean a great amount, as in 'a world of difference.'
What is an example of 'world' in a sentence?
'People from all over the world attended' refers to the Earth and its nations. 'The news shocked the world' means humanity in general. 'She is a star in the music world' points to a particular sphere. Each use builds on the idea of the Earth and its people.