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.
Joseph Perkovich, arguing for Pitchford, tried to do two things at once.
From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026
Two things can be true at once: Your very real fear of flying, which can result in very real physical and psychological distress, and your husband’s window of time to take this trip.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
More swings, more practice and more rounds, but over time, not all at once.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
Real radicalism is accepting the discomfort; it’s acknowledging that two or more things can coexist, and addressing all of those facets at once, even if the result isn’t perfect.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
In all his life, he’d never seen a girl wear so many bright colors all at once.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
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.
