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at a word

Idioms  
  1. In immediate response, at an instant. For example, At a word from the captain they lined up in order. [c. 1300]


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.

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“Ranchers and farmers are pretty much the same everywhere,” said Whitney, her calloused hands busy at a word search puzzle as the auctioneer chanted.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 21, 2024

Remediate, he thought: Orwell would spit at a word like that.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2021

Keep looking and they start to accrue into strings, as when you stare at a word search.

From New York Times ● Mar. 3, 2020

He added, “I like your style. Just look at a word and see if it’s one I would use. Because ‘magic’ isn’t one I’d use.

From The New Yorker ● Sep. 2, 2019

Ylla laid herself back in the canopy and, at a word from her husband, the birds leaped, burning, toward the dark sky.

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury

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