large

1 of 3

adjective

larger; largest
Synonyms of largenext
1
a
: exceeding most other things of like kind especially in quantity or size : big
a large number of complaints
b
: dealing in great numbers or quantities
a large and highly profitable business
2
a
: having more than usual capacity or scope : comprehensive
take the large view
will take a larger role in the negotiations
b
: powerful, forceful
had a large influence on the lives of his family
c
: very successful or popular
a large rock band
3
: extravagant, boastful
large talk
4
of a wind : favorable
5
obsolete : lavish
6
obsolete
a
: ample, abundant
a large crop of apples
b
: extensive, broad
a large expanse of farmland
7
obsolete
a
of language or expression : coarse, vulgar
b
: lax in conduct : loose
largeness noun
largish adjective

large

2 of 3

adverb

1
: in a large manner : extravagantly
living large
2
: with the wind abaft the beam
3
obsolete : in abundance : amply, liberally

large

3 of 3

noun

1
slang : a thousand dollars
2
obsolete : liberality, generosity

Examples of large in a Sentence

Adjective a large glass of water It's the largest city in the state. These T-shirts are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Which city has the largest population? Her policies are supported by a large part of the population. A large number of workers have filed complaints. He has a very large appetite. Adverb college students living large on generous allowances from indulgent parents Noun These shirts are all larges. “What size ice-cream cones do you want?” “We'll take three larges and a small.”
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.
Adjective
Lauzon said artists have reported new customers showing up to their art fairs after discovering their work through the machine, and some have landed larger commissions as a result. Ray Campos, CBS News, 20 June 2026 The pace of rumors concerning Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s pending wedding exploded this week, helped in large part by a big-city mayor with loose lips. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
Adverb
Brady Christensen, who can play all five offensive line spots, looms large on the free-agent market. Mike Kaye june 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026 With the back-to-back deaths of the district's representative, who were both in their 70s, age loomed large over the race, especially as younger Democrats push for a new generation of candidates. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Noun
On their own, they wouldn't have been hired for this large of a job, because their businesses were too small. Lauren Victory, CBS News, 20 June 2026 The broadcast team nailing these Finals would serve as a victory lap amid inexperience together on this large of a stage. John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for large

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Adverb, and Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, broad, wide, generous, from Latin largus generous, plentiful

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of large was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Large.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/large. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

large

adjective
ˈlärj
larger; largest
: greater, bigger, more extended, or more powerful than usual
largeness noun

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