: 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.
There’s almost no doubt the Pioneers will hear their names on Monday as one of 26 at-large bids in the 48-team field with quality wins over top programs and a narrow conference title-game loss. Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024 The Cougars must win out and get plenty of help in order to mount a serious challenge for an at-large berth. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024 Irvine switched from at-large to district council elections this year, prompting this unique two-year term. Alexcia Negrete, Orange County Register, 12 Nov. 2024 The at-large seat being vacated by Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan is the only council office decided by voters citywide, instead of ones in a specific geographical district. Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near at-large

Cite this Entry

“At-large.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at-large. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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!