large

1 of 3

adjective

larger; largest
Synonyms of largenext
1
a
: exceeding most other things of like kind especially in quantity or size : big
a large number of complaints
b
: dealing in great numbers or quantities
a large and highly profitable business
2
a
: having more than usual capacity or scope : comprehensive
take the large view
will take a larger role in the negotiations
b
: powerful, forceful
had a large influence on the lives of his family
c
: very successful or popular
a large rock band
3
: extravagant, boastful
large talk
4
of a wind : favorable
5
obsolete : lavish
6
obsolete
a
: ample, abundant
a large crop of apples
b
: extensive, broad
a large expanse of farmland
7
obsolete
a
of language or expression : coarse, vulgar
b
: lax in conduct : loose
largeness noun
largish adjective

large

2 of 3

adverb

1
: in a large manner : extravagantly
living large
2
: with the wind abaft the beam
3
obsolete : in abundance : amply, liberally

large

3 of 3

noun

1
slang : a thousand dollars
2
obsolete : liberality, generosity

Examples of large in a Sentence

Adjective a large glass of water It's the largest city in the state. These T-shirts are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Which city has the largest population? Her policies are supported by a large part of the population. A large number of workers have filed complaints. He has a very large appetite. Adverb college students living large on generous allowances from indulgent parents Noun These shirts are all larges. “What size ice-cream cones do you want?” “We'll take three larges and a small.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Strategists who’ve studied the issue for the Navy say there’s a case for a warship somewhat larger than current Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which displace less than 10,000 tons and carry a little under 100 vertical launch cells for missiles and interceptors. Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026 At its height nearly 20 years ago, India’s leader described the Maoists as the country’s biggest internal security threat, a blight on its status as the world’s largest democracy and its aspirations of becoming a global power. Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Adverb
The mafia used to loom large here. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2026 Yet Abigaëlle’s obsession with finding her father looms large on the family and strains the relationships between siblings and mother. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 19 May 2026
Noun
The owner of the horses was charged with allowing livestock to run at-large forbidden, a misdemeanor. Jeff A. Chamer may 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026 Once machines this large can move around people, regulators will need to catch up. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for large

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Adverb, and Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, broad, wide, generous, from Latin largus generous, plentiful

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of large was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Large.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/large. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

large

adjective
ˈlärj
larger; largest
: greater, bigger, more extended, or more powerful than usual
largeness noun

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