: 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

Examples of at-large in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That extra nonconference game, some believe, gives SEC teams a chance to bolster their schedules, which then adds value to any calculation the committee would consider in determining at-large bids. Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 Then, the very next week, two USA Fencing board of directors members filed a lawsuit against the other six at-large members, alleging Lehfeldt made false statements to Congress at the May 7 hearing. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025 On the opposite end of the spectrum, a dozen candidates are campaigning for just four at-large seats. Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 19 July 2025 The shooting suspect was at-large and described as a Hispanic male, about 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, bald and wearing a blue jersey and possibly armed with a silver revolver, police said. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for at-large

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at-large was in 1962

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At-large.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at-large. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!