big league

noun

1

: major league

2

: big time sense 2

—often used in plural

big-league

ˈbig-ˌlēg 

adjective

big leaguer noun

Synonyms

• 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

Less than two months into his big league career, the Red Sox locked up Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million extension that will keep him under club control through the 2034 season. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2025

Karros made his big league debut and slashed a one-out single to right in the second inning off veteran right-hander Zac Gallen to drive in Bernabel, who led off the inning with a double. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2025

All have come in his last 24 games after two tennis elbow injuries delayed the start of the 35-year-old’s 16th big league campaign. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025

There are only five other players in big league history who have hit at least 40 homers while primarily playing catcher: Salvador Perez, Johnny Bench (twice), Roy Campanella, Todd Hundley and Mike Piazza (twice). —David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, 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