world

world [wʉrld]

n.

[ME < OE werold, world, humanity, long time, akin to OHG weralt < early WGmc comp. < * wera-, man (see WEREWOLF) + * alth-, an age, mankind (for IE base see OLD): basic sense “the age of man”]

1.

a) the planet earth

b) the whole universe

c) any heavenly body thought of hypothetically as inhabited [worlds in space]

2. the earth and its inhabitants

3.

a) the human race; mankind

b) people generally; the public [a discovery that startled the world]

4.

a) [also W-] some part of the earth [the Old World]

b) some period of history, its society, etc. [the ancient world]

c) any sphere or domain [the animal world]

d) any sphere of human activity [the world of music]

e) any sphere or state of existence [the world of tomorrow]

5. individual experience, outlook, etc. [a man whose world is narrow]

6.

a) secular or social life and interests, as distinguished from the religious or spiritual

b) people primarily concerned with secular affairs and pursuits

7. [often pl.] a large amount; great deal [the rest did him a world (or worlds) of good]

8. a star or planet

SYN.- EARTH

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bring into the world

1. to give birth to

2. to assist in the delivery of (a child)

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come into the world

to be born

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for all the world

1. for any reason or consideration at all

2. in every respect; exactly

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in the world

1. on earth or in the universe; anywhere [where in the world could you find this?]

2. at all; ever [how in the world did you know?]

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☆ on top of the world

Informal elated with joy, pride, success, etc.; exultant

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☆ out of this world

Slang exceptionally fine; extraordinary

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world without end

forever