university
yoo-nih-VUR-suh-tee
University (noun) means an institution of higher education offering degrees, teaching, and research. Example: “She is studying biology at university.”
noun
1
An institution of higher education offering degrees, teaching, and research.
"The NIAID supports projects at universities and research organizations around the United States as well as a network of 21 NIAID labs across the country."
— Ben Tinker, New director named at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases after Fauci’s retirement (2023)
"She's studying mathematics at university."
"The only reason why I haven't gone to university is because I can't afford it."
"She is studying biology at university."
"The university has just opened a new research center."
"My cousin moved to another city to attend university and study law."
How to use university
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA school for higher-level study after secondary school, offering degrees.
UK vs US
In British English, people say "at university"; American English usually says "in college," even when referring to a university.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
go to university
university degree
university student
apply to university
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Word forms
- Plural
- universities
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She is studying biology at _____.
Etymology
From Old French universite, from Medieval Latin universitas, originally meaning "a community or guild of persons," from Latin universus ("whole, entire").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for university
See all rhymes for university →Frequently asked questions
What does “university” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “university”?
“University” is pronounced yoo-nih-VUR-suh-tee (/ˌjunəˈvərsədi/ in IPA).
How do you use “university” in a sentence?
Here is “university” used in a sentence: “She is studying biology at university.”
What is another word for “university”?
Words with a similar meaning to “university” include academy, college, institute, uni and varsity.
What part of speech is “university”?
“University” is a noun.
Where does the word “university” come from?
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").
Is “university” a common word?
“University” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a university and a college?
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.
What are the types of universities?
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.
What is an example of a university?
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.
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