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

For the second year in a row, the conference will likely receive just one at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament with Villanova widely projected in the 8- to 10-seed range. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026

El Dorado set the stage for its postseason run by competing in the challenging Crestview League and winning its final two games of the regular season to become eligible for an at-large berth in CIF-SS Division 4. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026

Unlikely to earn an at-large bid, the Tommies are eligible for other postseason tournaments such as the National Invitation Tournament or College Basketball Invitational. —Tom Carothers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026

Lose and an at-large bid for the mid-major team becomes more complicated. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 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