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

Here was a juicy alleged scandal involving two big names, a public intellectual and an actor publicly known for her intellect. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026

Some younger players, like Michael La Sasso, a recent men's college golf national champion, did forgo the PGA Tour for LIV, but other big names have stayed put. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

This year’s lineup includes big names like Lily Allen, The Cure, Sombr, Geese, Blood Orange and Ravyn Lenae, among others. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 16 Aug. 2026

With big names such as Texas’ Arch Manning and Oregon’s Dante Moore potentially available, the Jets want to see if there’s any chance Klubnik could be that player. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 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