big name

noun

: a performer or personage of top rank in popular recognition

a big name in the business world

big-name

ˈbig-ˌnām 

adjective

Examples of big name in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The backstory This property has quite the history—originally built in 1868, its roots date back to the Gilded Age era when affluent families summered here (and big names like the Vanderbilts and the Astors took up residence nearby). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Yet as influence continues to disseminate across different channels and actors, the question isn’t which brand-mega-influencer match-up will win the activewear influencer race, but how much weight these big names carry at this point in time. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Retailers now sell premium foods, specialty products and household basics under their own names, and the quality often holds up next to the big names. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026

The other big difference between the Steelfire and griddles from the big names—Blackstone, Camp Chef, Traeger—is that it’s made of stainless steel instead of carbon steel. — Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for big name

• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim
• doorframe
• exclaim
• inflame
• mainframe