big league

noun

1

: major league

2

: big time sense 2

—often plural

big-league

ˈbig-ˌlēg 

adjective

big leaguer noun

Synonyms of big league

• big(s)
• major league

Examples of big league in a Sentence

Broadway is the big leagues, and for big bucks theatergoers expect professionalism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Minor league minimums would increase from $63,600 to $73,400 for initial big league deals and $127,100 to $146,700 for additional contracts. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Koosman worked his way up the minor league system and made his big league debut on April 14, 1967, at Philadelphia's Connie Mack Stadium with 2 2/3 hitless innings of relief. — CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

While Fanatics designs and manufactures both fan and athlete apparel for the NHL, the relationship with the other big leagues is different. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Regardless, Sielaff is plenty good enough to be in a big league booth somewhere. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for big league

• blitzkrieg
• fatigue
• intrigue
• muskeg
• chincoteague

Kids Definition

big league

noun

: the highest level especially in baseball

big-league adjective

big leaguer noun