big name

noun

: a performer or personage of top rank in popular recognition
a big name in the business world
big-name adjective

Examples of big name in a Sentence

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.
While most big names in NBA free agency have found new homes, Damian Lillard is still available after being waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks to make room for their move to sign Myles Turner. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 Among the other big names represented by wax figures daily in the attraction include Beyonce, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Serena Williams, Shaquille O’Neal (in old school Orlando Magic uniform), Zendaya, Ryan Gosling and Walt Disney. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2025 According to Forbes, big names like Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey and Jeff Bezos are frequent visitors. Colson Thayer, People.com, 8 July 2025 Add in continuous deals between F1 and ESPN, and the support for F1 has transformed everyday Americans into fanatics, doubling viewership and turning already big names in the sport into bonafide global celebrities. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for big name

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of big name was in 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20name. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!