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

Noun the young ad execs knew that their agency had hit the big time when major corporations came calling
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The event starts at 7 p.m., and a couple big-time Bengals players, Joe Burrow and Orlando Brown Jr., will be among the star guests in attendance. The Enquirer, 11 Apr. 2024 More kickoff returns are expected, but that would not entice me to expose a big-time playmaker such as Christian McCaffrey or Deebo Samuel in that still-hazardous, specialized role, at least not until the stakes rise for the playoffs. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2024 Rose and Jackson were big-time personalities and players, similar to Ohtani. Harry Enten, CNN, 29 Mar. 2024 These candid stories remind viewers that flopping big-time is inevitable in life - but bouncing back stronger is possible. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024 The Iowa deer boasts big-time mass and those club-like drop-tines definitely add some eye appeal. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 27 Mar. 2024 Chisholm’s risky, optimistic decision to run for president in 1972 unleashes the harsh games-playing of big-time politics as never before, testing her mettle and exposing the field’s treachery. Armond White, National Review, 27 Mar. 2024 The former Poison frontman, who recently celebrated his 61st birthday, has long been a big-time lacrosse fan. Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 And Reddit’s goal would generate a pile of capital worth as much, if not more, than big-time social media platforms’ IPOs as a fraction of their total value. Laura Bratton, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024
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 Tennessee's forward isn't a big-time scorer at this point in his development, but the 19-year old is a serious athlete who could develop into a quality 3&D wing. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 23 Mar. 2023 Exams, deaths, the current news cycle, and even breakups are all big-time stressors that can cause periods to go awry. Women's Health, 22 Mar. 2023 Moreno has big-time all-around upside behind the dish, and Gurriel offers comparable bat upside to Varsho and will rotate with the three younger options in the outfield. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023 Even as the ongoing housing slump sees national home prices come down a bit from the peaks hit during the Pandemic Housing Boom, most homeowners are still up big-time. Lance Lambert, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2023 If a member of his family is involved with a team, Lincoln-Way East’s Tyler Walenga knows that a big-time trophy could be in store. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2023 But if the 6-4, 244-pound signal-caller can put it all together, sign me up for big-time throws to Michael Pittman Jr. and highlight-reel runs on Sundays in Indy. Evan Frank, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Mar. 2023
Noun
Jordan Hawkins buried the biggest shot of the game as San Diego State cut UConn's lead from 16 to 5 and had all the momentum -- a big time 3 running off a double stagger. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2024 Sometimes, the people who are remembered for their achievements also messed up big time, just like me. Susan Vollenweider, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2024 Jordan Mendoza: Saints 24, Falcons 19 Outside of the loss to the Rams, the New Orleans defense has stepped up big time in the past month to give the offense chances to shine. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2024 Washing these is a cinch since they can be washed and dried in the washing machine and dryer, which is a big time saver. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2024 By delivering big time for shareholders in what’s been a mainly unprofitable industry, and laughing at his own wacky persona. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024 Book now at Lufthansa Cut costs big time with Frontier Airlines’ shockingly cheap one-way flight sales Spring sales are in full swing at Frontier Airlines, where travelers can currently snag one-way flights as cheap as $19 between select locations on select dates. Kyler Alvord, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2024 Right now, a bunch of boots are marked down big time, from the versatile Darcy Ankle Boot to the notice-me Essex ankle boot in snakeskin (now just $45). Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2024 Jason Kelce to Announce Decision About NFL Retirement at Monday Press Conference The fundraiser appearance comes at a big time for both the Kelce brothers. Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'big-time.' 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

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

Dictionary Entries Near big-time

Cite this Entry

“Big-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big-time. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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