at a time
idiom
1
: during one particular moment
I can only do one thing at a time.
Please speak one at a time and not all at once.
We carried the boxes two at a time up the stairs.
2
: during one period of time without stopping
She can sit and read for hours at a time.
Examples of at a time in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The hammock is durable and can hold up to 200 pounds at a time, plus it’s designed to improve circulation and relieve pressure on your back when you’re seated for long hours.
—
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
For quantum communication to work, light sources must emit photons one at a time, not in random bunches.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025
The entire layout circled the exhibit room to which spectators were admitted, a certain number at a time, or alternatively, could sit in chairs in the center of the room and swivel their heads.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
An Indiana woman who found inner peace and her mission in life by running is changing the world one footstep at a time.
—Edie Kasten, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at a time
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Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
For quantum communication to work, light sources must emit photons one at a time, not in random bunches.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025
The entire layout circled the exhibit room to which spectators were admitted, a certain number at a time, or alternatively, could sit in chairs in the center of the room and swivel their heads.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
An Indiana woman who found inner peace and her mission in life by running is changing the world one footstep at a time.
—Edie Kasten, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at a time
Cite this Entry
“At a time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20a%20time. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.
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