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.
Capanna said a universal travel adaptor that lets multiple pins extend at once is "the most immediate sign it is dangerous", posing real risks of electric shock or electrocution.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
And something like a billion low-wage workers walked into the global economy at once.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
It comes across as at once a little artificial and sincerely felt.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026
He said there was a danger another reorganisation of science and tech within government could be "changing too many things at once",
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
He looks at me, and at once, it becomes very clear that he likes me, maybe as much as I like him.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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.
