university UK /junɪˈvɜːsəti/US /ˌjunəˈvərsədi/noun 2forms 1phrases 1 noun2 •a center of higher education for teaching and research, which gives degrees to its studentsShe's studying mathematics at university.The only reason why I haven't gone to university is because I can't afford it. •(no longer used) The entirety of a group; all members of a class. formsuniversities Phrases with university university of lifeThe real world as a source of instruction, as opposed to a formal education.