big deal

noun

: something of special importance

what's the big deal?

—sometimes used ironically as an interjection

Examples of big deal in a Sentence

The party was a big deal.

The cost didn't seem like much to me, but I know it was a big deal for many people.

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s a big deal for folks that aren’t necessarily experts on government ethics rules — the president, not just this president, but all presidents have been largely exempt from any conflicts of interest rules. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026

That’s never happened to me with another foldable, and after nearly a decade of these phones, that feels like a pretty big deal. — Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

The Blink Outdoor 4 XR system is 45% off—which is a big deal for anyone itching to upgrade their home security. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026

Sunday’s game was a big deal for Flanigan even before the touchdown. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for big deal

• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal
• cornmeal
• flywheel
• genteel