at large

alternative at-large

1. idiomaticOn the loose; roaming freely; not confined.

   For a nervous twenty-four hours, three wanted criminals were at large in the city.

   3 more examples

   The ambassador-at-large was designated to the Middle East as a region, rather than to a specific country.

   The lady rode hastily away, and electrified her relatives at dinner by telling them of her escape from a family of dangerous lunatics. "The little girl's eyes were simply those of a maniac. I can't think how she came to be at large," she said.

   1902, E. Nesbit, Five Children and It

   Officials say the unknown male suspect is still at large and request anyone with information regarding the case to contact Crimeline at (800) 423-8477.

   2024 December 27, Leah Sarnoff, “Pregnant woman stabbed 14 times by pizza delivery driver over $2 tip: Police”, in abcnews.go.com

   Synonyms: in the wild, on the loose, on the run, on the lam

2. obsoleteIn full, fully.

   The like example I find in Lælius à Fonte Eugubinus, consult. 129[…]. Read in him the story at large.

   1621, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy, New York: New York Review Books, published 2001, →ISBN, page 236

   Synonyms: entirely, in full, wholly

3. In general; as a whole.

   Some people support the measure, but the community at large will probably be against it.

   Synonyms: generally, in general

4. USgovernmentHaving an electorate across multiple districts.

   The city has five city council districts; however, the mayor is elected at large.

   1 more example

   Although the elections for Boston City Council seats are still seven months away, the race between at-large candidates is beginning to heat up.

   1991 May 4, Elizabeth Yukins, “City Council Candidates Lobby For The Gay Vote”, in Gay Community News, page 3