larger-than-life
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of larger-than-life
First recorded in 1945–50
Explanation
When something is larger-than-life, it seems more important or fascinating than anything else around it. An actor who is mild mannered and shy in person can seem larger-than-life when she's on the stage. You can use this term for something that's actually larger than usual, like Michelangelo's larger-than-life statue "David," which is three times as tall as the average man. It's also a good way to describe someone who is so flashy and flamboyant that they just seem to take up extra room: "My larger-than-life cousin makes every family gathering much more interesting."
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.
The trajectory of companies after the departures of larger-than-life leaders is mixed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2026
This underscores how the larger-than-life Nvidia CEO has no clear heir apparent.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 9, 2026
Barnum-like qualities of certain larger-than-life entrepreneurs, you know, and you see that a lot in Silicon Valley .
From Salon ● Oct. 16, 2026
Metallica is larger-than-life as is — they need little more than a Hetfield snarl or Hammett solo to feel tectonic.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026
Andrew Jackson was still an admired, larger-than-life president and war hero.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
