Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - world

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Old English woruld human existence, this ~, age (akin to Old High German weralt age, ~); akin to Old English wer man, eald old — more at virile, old  Date: before 12th century  1.  a. the earthly state of human existence  b. life after death — used with a qualifier the next ~  2. the earth with its inhabitants and all things upon it  3. individual course of life ; career  4. the inhabitants of the earth ; the human race  5.  a. the concerns of the earth and its affairs as distinguished from heaven and the life to come  b. secular affairs  6. the system of created things ; universe  7.  a. a division or generation of the inhabitants of the earth distinguished by living together at the same place or at the same time the medieval ~  b. a distinctive class of persons or their sphere of interest or activity the academic ~ the digital ~  8. human society withdraw from the ~  9. a part or section of the earth that is a separate independent unit  10. the sphere or scene of one's life and action living in your own little ~  11. an indefinite multitude or a great quantity or distance makes a ~ of difference a ~ away  12. the whole body of living persons ; public announced their discovery to the ~  13. kingdom 5 the animal ~  14. a celestial body (as a planet)  II. adjective  Date: 12th century  1. of or relating to the ~ a ~ championship  2.  a. extending or found throughout the ~ ; ~wide brought about ~ peace  b. involving or applying to part of or the whole ~ a ~ tour a ~ state  c. internationally recognized ; renowned, distinguished a ~ authority on gemstones