noun

1. 1. the planet earth
   2. the whole universe
   3. any heavenly body thought of hypothetically as inhabited worlds in space
2. the earth and its inhabitants
3. 1. the human race; mankind
   2. people generally; the public a discovery that startled the world
4. 1. some part of the earth the Old World
   2. some period of history, its society, etc. the ancient world
   3. any sphere or domain the animal world
   4. any sphere of human activity the world of music
   5. any sphere or state of existence the world of tomorrow
5. individual experience, outlook, etc. a man whose world is narrow
6. 1. secular or social life and interests, as distinguished from the religious or spiritual
   2. people primarily concerned with secular affairs and pursuits
7. a large amount; great deal the rest did him a world (or worlds) of good
8. a star or planet

Etymology: 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”