Main Entry:

¹big

Pronunciation:

\ˈbig\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

big·ger; big·gest

Etymology:

Middle English, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect bugge important man

Date:

14th century

1 aobsolete : 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 13 a: pregnant ; especially : nearly ready to give birth b: full to bursting : swelling <big with rage> cof the voice : full and resonant4 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>