en masse

American  

[ahn mas, en, ahn mas] / ɑn ˈmæs, ɛn, ɑ̃ ˈmas /

adverb

1. in a mass; all together; as a group.

   The people rushed to the gate en masse.

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en masse British  

/ ɑ̃ mas /

adverb

1. in a group, body, or mass; as a whole; all together

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en masse Cultural  

1. A French phrase meaning “in a large body”: “The protesters left en masse for the White House.”

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en masse Idioms  

1. In one group or body; all together. For example, The activists marched en masse to the capitol. This French term, with exactly the same meaning, was adopted into English about 1800.

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Etymology

Origin of en masse

Borrowed into English from French around 1795–1805

Example Sentences

They have already issued a warning to Israeli broadcaster, Kan, after its contestant released videos in various languages asking people to vote en masse for Israel; Kan removed the posts.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

One department store worker told the BBC that shoppers were being deterred by children "coming in en masse, creating noise and chaos".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Bringing back LIV players en masse, however, might be complicated for the Tour at a time when it’s already revamping its competitive model.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Police just moved in en masse toward protesters.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

We all donned latex gloves and then, en masse, poured into the gallery.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• altogether