large-scale
Americanadjective
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very extensive or encompassing; of great scope.
a large-scale business plan.
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made to a large scale.
a large-scale map.
adjective
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wide-ranging or extensive
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(of maps and models) constructed or drawn to a big scale
Etymology
Origin of large-scale
First recorded in 1885–90
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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.
As often in such large-scale attacks, it was preceded by warnings and criticism has been mounting over the authorities' failure to act on these advance signals, Le Cour Grandmaison says.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement announced its “ICE Detention Reengineering Initiative” in February, which calls for “eight large-scale detention centers and 16 processing sites, as well as the acquisition of 10 existing ‘turnkey’ facilities.”
From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026
The stock sank on Monday, but CEO Christian Weedbrook maintains a long-term view, targeting a large-scale quantum computer by 2029 or 2030.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
Analyst Nigel Pittaway thinks that the buyback should provide greater context to AMP’s guidance for flat dividends for two years, while reducing the chances of it making a large-scale platform acquisition.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
Einstein’s general theory of relativity seems to govern the large-scale structure of the universe.
From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking
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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.