Search Dictionary
Definition of university

university

/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsəti/
u · ni · ver · si · ty

Plural:universities
JUMP TO:

university Lexical Profile

university Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An institution of higher education and research that awards academic degrees in various disciplines and typically provides both undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Example

"She decided to apply to a prestigious university to pursue her master's degree in environmental science."


2

The physical campus, buildings, or the collective community of students, faculty, and staff associated with an institution of higher learning.

Example

"The entire university was buzzing with excitement on the eve of the annual championship game."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for university

Word Nuance & Usage

In American English, 'college' and 'university' are often used interchangeably to refer to undergraduate education, whereas in British English, 'university' specifically denotes a degree-awarding institution and is distinct from 'college'.

• Rhymes for university

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'universite', borrowed from Old French 'universitei', deriving from Latin 'universitas' meaning 'the whole' or 'aggregate', which in Medieval Latin came to denote a guild or corporation of students and teachers.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of University. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/university
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.