world

Syllabification: (world)

Pronunciation: /wərld/

Definition of world

1 (usually the world) the earth, together with all of its countries, peoples, and natural features:he was doing his bit to save the world
(the world) all of the people, societies, and institutions on the earth: [as modifier]:world affairs
[as modifier] denoting one of the most important or influential people or things of its class:they had been brought up to regard France as a world power
another planet like the earth:the possibility of life on other worlds
the material universe or all that exists; everything.

2a part or aspect of human life or of the natural features of the earth, in particular.
a region or group of countries:the English-speaking world
a period of history:the ancient world
a group of living things:the animal world
the people, places, and activities to do with a particular thing:they were a legend in the world of British theater
human and social interaction:he has almost completely withdrawn from the world how inexperienced she is in the ways of the world
average, respectable, or fashionable people or their customs or opinions.
(one's world) a person’s life and activities:he felt his whole world had collapsed
everything that exists outside oneself.
[in singular] a stage of human life, either mortal or after death:in this world and the next
secular interests and affairs:parents are not viewed as the primary educators of their own children, either in the world or in the church

Phrases

be not long for this world: have only a short time to live.
the best of both (or all possible) worlds: the benefits of widely differing situations, enjoyed at the same time.
bring someone into the world: give birth to or assist at the birth of someone.
come into the world: be born.
come up (or go down) in the world: rise (or drop) in status, especially by becoming richer (or poorer).
in the world: used for emphasis in questions, especially to express astonishment or disbelief:why in the world did you not reveal yourself sooner?
look for all the world like: look precisely like (used for emphasis):fossil imprints that look for all the world like motorcycle tracks
man (or woman) of the world: a person who is experienced in the ways of sophisticated society.
not do something for the world: not do something whatever the inducement:I wouldn’t miss it for the world
out of this world: informal extremely enjoyable or impressive:an herb and lemon dressing that’s out of this world
see the world: travel widely and gain wide experience.
think the world of: have a very high regard for (someone):I thought the world of my father
the world, the flesh, and the devil: all forms of temptation to sin.
a (or the) world of: a very great deal of:there’s a world of difference between being alone and being lonely
(all) the world over: everywhere on the earth.
worlds apart: very different or distant.

Old English w(e)oruld, from a Germanic compound meaning 'age of man'; related to Dutch wereld and German Welt

Definition of world in the British & World English dictionary