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.
Made from amorphous silica, a form of silicon dioxide found naturally in foods and the fossilized remains of microscopic organisms, the engineered nanoparticles appear to attack prostate cancer in multiple ways at once.
From Science Daily • Jul. 9, 2026
Smoky, savory and bright all at once, it’s especially good eaten straight from the fridge while standing in front of the open door, deciding whether you’re actually hungry enough for a second bowl.
From Salon • Jul. 8, 2026
Marine Le Pen's decision to do two things at once is something of a gamble.
From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026
"Energy knock-on effects rarely arrive all at once," he wrote.
From Barron's • Jul. 6, 2026
I ran to him at once and helped him to his feet.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
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.
