big-time

1 of 3

adjective

ˈbig-ˌtīm 

: relating to or involved in the big time

big-time sports

also : major sense 4

big-time operators

big-time

2 of 3

adverb

: in a major or large-scale way

the new show bombed big-time

also : to a great extent or degree

owes me big-time

big time

3 of 3

noun

-ˌtīm 

1

: a high-paying vaudeville circuit requiring only two performances a day

2

: the top rank of an activity or enterprise

big-timer

ˈbig-ˌtī-mər 

noun

Synonyms of big-time

Adverb

• highly
• much
• greatly
• considerably
• utterly
• significantly
• tremendously
• massively
• extensively

Noun

• big(s)

Examples of big-time in a Sentence

Adverb

wow, those renovations improved the library big-time

Noun

the young ad execs knew that their agency had hit the big time when major corporations came calling

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The only thing missing here is a big-time hardware/console release, but from a pure games perspective, 2007 can go toe-to-toe with almost any year. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026

The team desperately needed a big-time scoring guard to slot in at the off-guard position next to Keyonte George. — Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Adverb

And although there were some critical mistakes from Florida transfer quarterback DJ Lagway, the new Baylor QB made big-time throws, showed grit while playing through injury and had the Bears in position to win in the final moments. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

There were multiple big-time programs that needed new coaches that cycle, from heavyweights like Texas and LSU to the Phil Knight–backed Oregon. — John Talty, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026

Noun

The brand’s universal approach has paid off big time in terms of marketing and brand image. — Ava Welsing-Kitcher, Allure, 24 Aug. 2026

Second, interest rates have famously spiked big time in the past year. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1910, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1957, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for big-time

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime