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

Mize had no strikeouts for just the fourth time in 111 big league starts. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

With a Budweiser in his hand and protective goggles resting on his forehead, Fulmer soaked in not only the booze, but the first big league postseason party of his nine-year career. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026

The Rockies are weighing the side effects of a work stoppage against the value of exposing Condon to big league pitching as the Rockies focus on building their core moving forward. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Sep. 2026

Probably not, but after three decades of scratching and clawing for relevance, the Rays might finally have a chance to compete on equal footing with their big league peers. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 30 Aug. 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