big league

noun

Synonyms of big leaguenext
1
2
: big time sense 2
often used in plural
big-league adjective
big leaguer noun

Examples of big league in a Sentence

Broadway is the big leagues, and for big bucks theatergoers expect professionalism.
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.
Throughout his big league career Duran has primarily played in left and center field for the Red Sox. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026 Smith has considerably more big league experience and a longer track record of offensive success compared to any other would-be second baseman on the roster. Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026 Claiborne echoed that sentiment, recalling how Schlittler earned multiple promotions and burst onto the major league scene last season after making the most of his first big league camp. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026 Students learned directly from a faculty composed of big league umpires. Katie Woo, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for big league

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of big league was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big league.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20league. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

big league

noun
: the highest level especially in baseball
big-league adjective
big leaguer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster