I. ˈwər(-ə)ld noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English woruld human existence, this world, age (akin to Old High German weralt age, world); akin to Old English wer man, eald old — more at virile , old
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the earthly state of human existence
b. : life after death — used with a qualifier
the next world
2. : the earth with its inhabitants and all things upon it
3. : individual course of life : career
4. : the inhabitants of the earth : the human race
5.
a. : the concerns of the earth and its affairs as distinguished from heaven and the life to come
b. : secular affairs
6. : the system of created things : universe
7.
a. : a division or generation of the inhabitants of the earth distinguished by living together at the same place or at the same time
the medieval world
b. : a distinctive class of persons or their sphere of interest or activity
the academic world
the digital world
8. : human society
withdraw from the world
9. : a part or section of the earth that is a separate independent unit
10. : the sphere or scene of one's life and action
living in your own little world
11. : an indefinite multitude or a great quantity or distance
makes a world of difference
a world away
12. : the whole body of living persons : public
announced their discovery to the world
13. : kingdom 5
the animal world
14. : a celestial body (as a planet)
•
- for all the world
- in the world
- out of this world
II. adjective
Date: 12th century
1. : of or relating to the world
a world championship
2.
a. : extending or found throughout the world : worldwide
brought about world peace
b. : involving or applying to part of or the whole world
a world tour
a world state
c. : internationally recognized : renowned , distinguished
a world authority on gemstones