at once
Idioms-
At the same time, as in We can't all fit into the boat at once . [First half of 1200s] Also see at one time , def. 1.
-
Immediately, as in Mother told the children to come inside at once . [First half of 1500s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
How Rachel Scott can put together two beautiful shows at once is beyond me.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
As I detailed on Sunday, three geographic chokepoints are on fire at once.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
The NFL engineered its rise to solve several challenges at once, turning a gym-class staple into a vehicle for youth acquisition and international expansion.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
For example, when several possible answers remain, choosing a word that tests a useful combination of letters could eliminate many of them at once.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 12, 2026
It made my heart pinch and swell all at once.
From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
