What does "multiverse" mean?

The world, considered as lacking in purpose, design, or predictability.

How do you pronounce "multiverse"?

Pronounced //ˈmʌltəˌvɝs//.

Common synonyms include: cosmic ensemble, cosmological ensemble, cosmoses, domain of possible worlds, fictional multiverse, maniverse.

/ˈmʌltəˌvɝs/ noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
The world, considered as lacking in purpose, design, or predictability.
"Visible nature is all plasticity and indifference, a multiverse, as one might call it, and not a universe."
2
Alternative letter-case form of multiverse. alt-of
3
The hypothetical group of all the possible universes in existence.
"Our universe is a very small part of the multiverse."
4
The different canons, continuities or timelines of a fictional property, considered as a whole.
"In the DC multiverse, our reality is called "Earth-33". But in the Marvel multiverse, it's "Earth-1218"."

"In a family conversation, I was confused between a "metaverse" and a "multiverse.""

First appeared c. 1895. Blend of multiple + universe, coined by American philosopher William James. By surface analysis, multi- + -verse.