1
: identical to an original in proportion and size
full-scale drawing
2
a
: involving full use of available resources
a full-scale biography
full-scale war
b
: total, complete
a full-scale musical renaissanceCurrent Biography

Examples of full-scale in a Sentence

a full-scale search and rescue for the victims of the rock slide
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.
The devastation of the two bombs coupled with the threat of a full-scale Allied invasion set Japan on the path to surrender. Jason Rossi, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025 The revival – the first full-scale New York City production of the musical – will run from October 23 to December 14 at CSC’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater. Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2025 The country's response is now a full-scale mobilization—an effort to protect lives, infrastructure, and the environment amid unprecedented conditions. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025 But after Russia turned its attention to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin’s influence over the conflict began to wane. Nik Popli, Time, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for full-scale

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of full-scale was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

“Full-scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/full-scale. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

full-scale

adjective
ˈfu̇l-ˈskā(ə)l
1
: identical to an original in size
2
: not limited in any way : using everything that can be used
a full-scale war
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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