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

Meanwhile, the other 11 spots will be filled by the four champions of the Power Four leagues — SEC, Big 10, Big 12 and ACC — and seven at-large teams, which likely will come from those four conferences. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026

Since council decisions affect the whole village, residents should keep voting at-large. — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

Phrase

An eye will need to focus on ethics and lessons from history, as well as from social and political philosophy regarding protections for individuals, communities, domestic and supranational institutions and humanity at large. — Keith Tidman, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026

That said, the market at large in TV sell belabors at 75% of peak TV levels, as Ampere Analysis points out. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 24 Sep. 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