AT ONCE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does at once mean? 

• AT ONCE (adverb)
  The adverb AT ONCE has 2 senses:

1. without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

2. simultaneously

  Familiarity information: AT ONCE used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AT ONCE (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

Synonyms:

at once; directly; forthwith; immediately; instantly; like a shot; now; right away; straight off; straightaway

Context example:

Come here now!

Sense 2

Meaning:

Simultaneously

Synonyms:

at a time; at once; at one time

Context example:

he took three cookies at a time

 Context examples 

They had at once sent for the doctor and for the constable.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could at once see that someone had passed out.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Of course, we had the drags at once, and set to work to recover the remains, but no trace of the body could we find.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Thus the coastguard on duty on the eastern side of the harbour, who at once ran down to the little pier, was the first to climb on board.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

He became more morose and irritable, and when camp was pitched at once made his nest, where his driver fed him.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

We began the search at once; Mr. Jorkins unlocking the drawers and desks, and we all taking out the papers.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

But Wolf Larsen ignored that worthy, turning at once to the cabin-boy.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Walt was on the defensive at once.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

This roused a general astonishment; and he had the pleasure of being eagerly questioned by his wife and his five daughters at once.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

The captain, who was close behind his messenger, entered at once and shut the door behind him.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)