at

preposition

1. 1

   In, near, or in the general vicinity of (a particular place).

   Caesar was at Rome.

   A climate treaty was signed at Kyoto in 1997.

   I was at Jim’s house at the corner of Fourth Street and Vine.

2. 2

   Attending (an educational institution).

   She's at Oxford University, studying chemistry.

3. 3

   Working for (a company) or in (a place or situation).

   He used to be at Lehman Brothers. Now he's at Merrill Lynch.

   'Where does he work?' — 'I think he's still at the solicitors.'

4. 4

   Indicating distance or direction relative to the speaker.

   Target at five miles. Prepare torpedoes.

   Look out! UFO at two o'clock!

5. 5

   Present or taking place during (an event).

   Was he at the meeting?

   There was a big fight at the class reunion.

6. 6

   Indicating time of occurrence, especially an instant of time, or a period of time relatively short in context or from the speaker’s perspective.

   at six o’clock; at dawn; at closing time; at the age of twelve; at night; at the moment

7. 7

   On (a particular date).

8. 8

   In the direction of; towards; (often implied to be in a hostile or careless manner).

   Don’t just talk at someone; really listen to what they have to say.

   Stones were thrown at us, but we couldn't see who did.

   He shouted at her.

9. 9

   Indicating action bearing upon something, especially continued or repeated action.

   Don't pick at your food!

   My cat keeps scratching at the furniture.

   I was working at the problem all day.

10. 10

    In response or reaction to.

    At my request, they agreed to move us to another hotel.

    He jumped at the sudden noise.

    We laughed at the joke.

11. 11

    Occupied in (activity).

    men at work; children at play

12. 12

    In a state of.

    The two countries are at war.

    She is at sixes and sevens with him.

    They are at loggerheads over how best to tackle the fiscal cliff.