larger-than-life

[lahr-jer-thuhn-lahyf]

adjective

1. exceedingly imposing, impressive, or memorable, especially in appearance or forcefulness.

   a larger-than-life leader.

larger-than-life

adjective

1. exceptionally striking or colourful

Word History and Origins

Origin of larger-than-life¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The heyday of Britain’s Victorian empire spawned many larger-than-life personalities, but few of them rivaled Col.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When the event’s signature balloons were introduced in the late 1920s, wranglers simply released the larger-than-life characters into the sky.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Cue is especially gregarious, a larger-than-life type who loves sports, cars—he sits on Ferrari’s board—and is known as a dealmaker for Apple.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Cord became controlling owner of the Auburn Automobile Co. of Auburn, Ind. Cord was an impresario still in his early 30s, a larger-than-life guy who built a mansion in Beverly Hills called Cordhaven.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The star was also in a constant battle with stage fright—a startling admission for a larger-than-life performer with a reputation for spooky, unnerving antics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal