big name

noun

: a performer or personage of top rank in popular recognition
a big name in the business world
big-name adjective

Examples of big name in a Sentence

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.
But some big names are expected to hit the open market, including wide receivers Mike Evans and Alec Pierce; offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum; defensive linemen Jaelan Phillips and John Franklin-Myers; and running back Travis Etienne. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026 In practice, this adds big names like Ethan Hawke, Seth Rogen, Michelle Williams, and Noah Wyle to a ceremony already spotlighting stars like Rose Byrne, Joel Edgerton, Tessa Thompson, and Kirsten Dunst in the film categories. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026 A lot of the big names have already been at Cubs camp with the pitchers and catchers, but Monday was the first official practice for position players. Matt Zahn, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026 The dunk contest is a shell of itself, following the gimmicky Mac McClung dunking dynasty and the absence of big names. Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for big name

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of big name was in 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20name. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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