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 Before calling it a night, be sure to enjoy the signature mint julep at the historic Round Robin Bar — known for its circular bar and the variety of big names who've sipped libations in its presence. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024 Some are big names in Republican politics who have so far given relatively small amounts, including $3,300 last August from Elizabeth Uihlein, whose family is among the G.O.P.’s biggest contributors. Rebecca Davis O’Brien, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024 Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and some big names from the entertainment world teamed up Thursday night to deliver a rousing New York embrace of President Joe Biden that hauled in a record-setting $26 million-plus for his reelection campaign. Colleen Long, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2024 His marketability should take him far throughout his career, only further establishing himself as a big name in the NBA. Nick Crain, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 The Asia Future 30 companies focuses on public firms, but excitement is also brewing in the IPO market, with big names set to go public in 2024: fast fashion platform Shein, logistics network Cainiao, and EV scooter firm Ola Electric. Fang Ruan, Fortune Asia, 20 Mar. 2024 With appearances from big names like Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and even former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, this inspirational movie is the perfect send-off for Avant, who died in 2023. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2024 This year’s winners include big names, like actor Elliot Page and fantasy writer Rebecca Yarros. Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Other big names that have been tossed around include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Regé-Jean Page and Henry Cavill, but so far nothing has been confirmed. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'big name.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near big name

Cite this Entry

“Big name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20name. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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