At once Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adverb without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
    straightaway; forthwith; like a shot; straight off; directly; right away; immediately; now; instantly.
    • he answered immediately
    • found an answer straightaway
    • an official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith
    • Come here now!
  2. adverb simultaneously
    at a time; at one time.
    • he took three cookies at a time

WordNet


Definitions
  1. . (a) At the same point of time; immediately; without delay . "Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once." Shak. "I . . . withdrew at once and altogether." Jeffrey. (b) At one and the same time; simultaneously; in one body; as, they all moved at once.

Webster 1913