Pronunciation: [mˈɪs jˈuːnɪvˌɜːs] (IPA) 
The spelling of Miss Universe is pretty straightforward. The word "miss" is spelled with an "m," followed by a short "i" sound, then a double "s." The word "universe" then has a "yoo" sound at the beginning, spelled with a "u" followed by a "y" sound. Next comes a long "n" sound, spelled with an "n," followed by a short "i," then a "v" sound, and lastly an "rs" sound. Put it all together and you get /ˈmɪs ˈjuːnɪvɜrs/.
Miss Universe is an international beauty pageant and title which is awarded annually, recognizing the most exceptional, charismatic, and stunning woman on a global scale. With contestants from various countries representing their respective nations, Miss Universe aims to celebrate beauty, intelligence, poise, and cultural diversity. Established in 1952, this prestigious event has become one of the most-watched international beauty pageants, attracting an enormous global audience.
The title "Miss Universe" refers not only to the winner of the competition but also to the chosen titleholder's responsibilities and privileges throughout her reign. Miss Universe is expected to promote and advocate for charitable causes, participate in humanitarian efforts, and serve as a global ambassador for various initiatives. She represents the epitome of beauty, grace, and intellect and carries the title with great pride and responsibility.
The selection process for Miss Universe includes preliminary competitions, which test various aspects such as evening gown presentations, swimsuit modeling, and interviews. Contestants are judged on their physical appearance, stage presence, intelligence, social awareness, and versatility. These qualities epitomize the essence of Miss Universe, as the titleholder is expected to be a role model for women worldwide.
Miss Universe has emerged as an iconic symbol of female empowerment, encouraging women to embrace their individuality, knowledge, and personal talents. The competition sets a platform for women to showcase their accomplishments and encourages positive transformation within society, fostering unity among nations and promoting the values of inner and outer beauty.
The word "universe" is derived from the Latin word "universum", which means "all things, all people". It is a combination of "uni-" meaning "one" and "versus" meaning "turning" or "to turn". "Miss" is an English honorific title for an unmarried woman, derived from the word "Mistress".
The term "Miss Universe" was first used in 1952 for a beauty pageant competition organized by the American-based Miss Universe Organization. It was created by a clothing company called Pacific Knitting Mills, which later became Catalina Swimwear. The company's executives, inspired by the idea of showcasing beautiful women representing various countries, decided to create a global pageant where the most beautiful woman from each participating country would compete for the title of "Miss Universe".
