/ ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəti; NAmE -ˈvɜːrs-/ noun
[ C , U ] ( pl. -ies ) ( abbr. Univ. ) an institution at the highest level of education where you can study for a degree or do research :
Is there a university in this town?
Ohio State University
the University of York
York University
( BrE )
Both their children are at university .
( BrE )
He's hoping to go to university next year.
a university course / degree / lecturer
➡ note at college
—see also state university
•
IDIOMS
- the university of life
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French universite , from Latin universitas the whole, in late Latin society, guild, from universus combined into one, whole, from uni- one + versus turned (past participle of vertere ).