: 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 2phrase
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
Jim Root, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
The Knights appeared to be well on their way to earning an at-large berth in the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2026
Texas finished 12th in the final strength of record — ahead of Miami, which received the final at-large bid — but was not a big part of the College Football Playoff discussion on Selection Sunday.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
All council districts in Frisco are elected at-large, meaning residents across the city vote in those elections.
—Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at-large
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Adjective
Kentucky is now closer to a Lock than being in any at-large danger.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
The Knights appeared to be well on their way to earning an at-large berth in the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2026
Texas finished 12th in the final strength of record — ahead of Miami, which received the final at-large bid — but was not a big part of the College Football Playoff discussion on Selection Sunday.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
All council districts in Frisco are elected at-large, meaning residents across the city vote in those elections.
—Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at-large
Cite this Entry
“At-large.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at-large. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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