big sister

noun

1
: an older sister
2
: a woman who serves as a companion, mother figure, and role model for a girl

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Just like her big sister, Rue arrived early and was born in the family's bathroom — just one day after Taylor's baby shower. Adam England, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2023 At the service, Dieckhaus shared some words from Evelyn’s big sister. Daniella Silva, NBC News, 31 Mar. 2023 Teigen marked the moment with an Instagram post that featured sweet moments from the holiday with newborn Esti—including photos of her being carried by big sister Luna and of Teigen appearing to rock her to sleep. Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Apr. 2023 On Sunday, just hours after hitting the shot of a lifetime, Butler credited his big sister for a timely assist. Jon Gold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2023 All of the kids smiled for the camera in the sweet shot, except for one of the 16-year-old twins — D'Lila Star and Jessie James — who crouches down looking at baby sister Love Sean, 5 months, who is being held by big sister Chance Combs, 17. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2023 Just over two years later, Taylor became a big sister when her brother Austin was born on March 11, 1992. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2023 After the sun sets, take a boat or an evening walk to the Enchanted Lagoon, on the other side of the island, to see thousands of bioluminescent plankton twinkling in the night. La Gomera, Spain Not even an hour ferry ride from its buzzy big sister, Tenerife, tiny La Gomera is as peaceful as can be. Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2023 My observer would probably be my big sister, Stef Bassett. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'big sister.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of big sister was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near big sister

Cite this Entry

“Big sister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20sister. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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