big-time

1 of 3

adjective

: 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

1
: a high-paying vaudeville circuit requiring only two performances a day
2
: the top rank of an activity or enterprise
big-timer noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But the Swede was going to get counted on big-time in this series against Vegas and Hill, a Stanley Cup-winning goalie. Michael Russo, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 One more big-time weapon for Bryce Young and all that. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Read more:Recent live events, rise of David Benavidez show boxing is thriving in Arizona Familia Ramos Anyone who has watched Jesús Ramos fight can see that there is big-time potential in the 22-year-old super welterweight. José M. Romero, The Arizona Republic, 24 Mar. 2023 All those things can be potential avenues for big-time infections. Ambar Castillo, STAT, 23 Mar. 2023
Noun
The offense has struggled big time as the Royals are tied with Texas for the fewest runs scored (67). Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025 While the Mets would need to give up a few prospects ranked in their top 10, this is the kind of deal that would likely pay off big time in the postseason. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for big-time

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of big-time was in 1910

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Big-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big-time. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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