Main Entry: ¹big

Pronunciation: \ˈbig\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): big·ger; big·gest

Etymology: Middle English, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dial. bugge important man

Date: 14th century

1 a obsolete : of great strength b : of great force <a big storm>
2 a : large or great in dimensions, bulk, or extent <a big house>; also : large or great in quantity, number, or amount <a big fleet> b : operating on a large scale <big government> c : capital 1
3 a : pregnant; especially : nearly ready to give birth b : full to bursting : swelling <big with rage> c of the voice : full and resonant
4 a : chief, preeminent <the big issue of the campaign> b : outstandingly worthy or able <a truly big man> c : of great importance or significance <the big moment> d : imposing, pretentious; also : marked by or given to boasting <big talk> e : magnanimous, generous <was big about it>
5 : popular <soft drinks are very big in Mexico — Russ Leadabrand>
6 : full-bodied and flavorful —used of wine

— big·ly adverb

— big·ness noun

— big on : strongly favoring or liking; also : noted for <she is big on blushing — Arnold Hano>