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

That big-time player is in his 14th NFL season and is off to one of the best starts of his career. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

Upon completion, Ryan Field will have the dual distinction of being the most expensive and the smallest stadium, by seating capacity, in all of big-time college football. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Don’t expect anywhere near the same talent disparity when Maryland visits Rentschler Field for a big-time Week 2 spot on Saturday. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 10 Sep. 2026

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

Noun

The Vikings defense stepped up big time in the second half, limiting Green Bay to just three points. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

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