at-large

1 of 2

adjective

ˈat-ˈlärj 

: relating to or being a political representative who is elected to serve an entire area rather than one of its subdivisions

an at-large city councilor

an at-large election

at large

2 of 2

phrase

1

a

: free of restraint or confinement

the escaped prisoner is still at large

b

: without a specific subject or assignment

critic at large

2

: as a whole

society at large

3

: as the political representative of or to a whole area rather than of one of its subdivisions

—used in combination with a preceding noun

a congressman-at-large

4

: at length

5

: in a general way

Examples of at-large in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are also statewide contests to watch in the swing state of Nevada and North Dakota, where Trump and the state GOP are at odds over the Peace Garden State's at-large congressional seat. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Drew Broussard is the bookstores editor-at-large for Literary Hub and the host of The Lit Hub Podcast. —Drew Broussard, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

David Pierce is editor-at-large and Vergecast co-host with over a decade of experience covering consumer tech. —David Pierce, The Verge, 6 June 2026

The data center on University City Boulevard is in Mazuera Arias’ district, and Ajmera is an at-large representative. —Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1962, in the meaning defined above

Phrase

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for at-large

• discharge
• enlarge
• litharge
• recharge
• surcharge
• barge
• charge
• large
• marge
• sarge
• targe
• overcharge