worldwide
WURLD-wyd
Worldwide (adj) means extending across or affecting the whole world. Example: “The company has worldwide distribution.”
adj
1
Extending across or affecting the whole world.
"The company has worldwide distribution."
"The charity runs a worldwide campaign to plant more trees."
"Worldwide demand for the new phone has been very high."
adv
1
Throughout the whole world.
"The character of James Bond is known worldwide."
"English is spoken worldwide."
"The film was released worldwide on the same day."
"Her books are sold worldwide, and many have been translated."
"The band toured worldwide for almost two years."
How to use worldwide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCovering, or happening across, the entire globe.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
worldwide fame
sold worldwide
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more worldwide
- Superlative
- most worldwide
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company has _____ distribution.
Etymology
A combination of "world" and "-wide."
Synonyms
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global
international
universal
planet-wide
across the globe
world
planetary
general
cosmopolitan
oecumenical
ecumenical
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for worldwide
See all rhymes for worldwide →Frequently asked questions
What does “worldwide” mean?
The word “worldwide” means extending across or affecting the whole world. In plain terms, covering, or happening across, the entire globe.
How do you pronounce “worldwide”?
“Worldwide” is pronounced WURLD-wyd (/ˈwɝldˌwaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “worldwide” in a sentence?
Here is “worldwide” used in a sentence: “The company has worldwide distribution.”
What part of speech is “worldwide”?
Depending on how it is used, “worldwide” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Is “worldwide” a common word?
“Worldwide” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “worldwide” have?
“Worldwide” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extending across or affecting the whole world.
What is the difference between 'worldwide' and 'worldly'?
'Worldwide' means extending across or affecting the whole world, as in 'a worldwide audience.' 'Worldly' is unrelated in sense: it describes someone experienced and sophisticated, or things concerned with material rather than spiritual life. A worldwide brand is sold everywhere; a worldly person is well-travelled and knowing.
Is 'worldwide' the same as 'global'?
In most everyday use, yes — both mean affecting or covering the entire world, and you can usually swap one for the other. 'Global' can sound slightly more formal or technical, especially in business and politics, while 'worldwide' is common in marketing, as in 'worldwide shipping.' The difference is mainly tone.
Can 'worldwide' be used as an adverb?
Yes. As well as an adjective ('a worldwide network'), 'worldwide' works as an adverb meaning across the whole world, as in 'the film was released worldwide' or 'we ship worldwide.' In both roles it keeps the same core idea of reaching or affecting every part of the globe.
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