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
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.
That's a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026 Warning Signs of a Deeper Plumbing Issue Minor clogs aren’t a big deal and can be handled relatively easily, but in some cases a clog can signal a more significant plumbing issue. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2026 Producers started calling around, and one got in touch with my agents, which felt like a big deal and second chance of sorts. — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 When to Call a Professional Whole house water pressure issues are more likely to be a big deal, and Buck recommends calling a professional sooner rather than later. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for big deal

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of big deal was in 1915

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20deal. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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