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

The 10th-seeded Lady Vols, who have lost seven consecutive games, had only 16 wins this season, the fewest for an at-large team since Oklahoma also had 16 in 2018. —Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

Before becoming the commander-at-large, Bovino was the chief of CBP's El Centro sector. —Luke Barr, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026

The Bison did not receive an at-large bid Sunday, ending their storybook season with a thud. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026

The 10th-seeded Lady Vols, who have lost seven consecutive games, only had 16 wins this season, the fewest for an at-large team since Oklahoma also had 16 in 2018. —CBS News, 16 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