big league

noun

1

: major league

2

: big time sense 2

—often plural

big-league

ˈbig-ˌlēg 

adjective

big leaguer noun

Synonyms of big league

• big(s)
• major league

Examples of big league in a Sentence

Broadway is the big leagues, and for big bucks theatergoers expect professionalism.

Recent Examples on the Web

The effort comes as baseball executives are embroiled in tumultuous contract negotiations with its big league players. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Campbell hasn’t appeared in a big league game since June 18, 2025, and spent the entire 2026 season at Triple-A Worcester. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

At that point, there will be a freeze on big league transactions until a new CBA is ratified. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026

Minor league minimums would increase from $63,600 to $73,400 for initial big league deals and $127,100 to $146,700 for additional contracts. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for big league

• blitzkrieg
• fatigue
• intrigue
• muskeg
• chincoteague

Kids Definition

big league

noun

: the highest level especially in baseball

big-league adjective

big leaguer noun