big-time

adjective

\ ˈbig-ˌtīm

Definition of big-time

(Entry 1 of 3)

: relating to or involved in the big time big-time sports also : major sense 4 big-time operators

big-time

adverb

Definition of big-time (Entry 2 of 3)

: 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

noun

\ -ˌtīm

Definition of big time (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a high-paying vaudeville circuit requiring only two performances a day

2 : the top rank of an activity or enterprise

Other Words from big-time Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about big-time

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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: Noun

And clearly, all the attention it's gotten so far has paid off, big time. — Candace Braun Davison, House Beautiful, "This Is The Kitchen The Internet Designed," 25 Mar. 2019 But the coupons that have built up their brand loyalty are now backfiring — big time. — Lauren Smith, Good Housekeeping, "Bed Bath & Beyond Will Likely Scale Back on Their 20%-Off Coupons," 6 Nov. 2015 Without wielding much of an offensive game, Pillar compensates big time as one of the preeminent defensive centerfielders in the game. — Si.com Staff, SI.com, "SI's Top 100 MLB Players of 2018: Nos. 100–51," 12 Feb. 2018 Then again, maybe the big time would ruin fat biking. — Jason Gay, WSJ, "My Big, Fat Fat-Biking Adventure," 14 Feb. 2019 Many Australian bands have hit the big time play at Forum Melbourne, in the CBD (Central Business District), as have international acts that aren’t quite ready for stadiums. — Carrie Hutchinson, Condé Nast Traveler, "10 Best Venues & Places for Live Music in Melbourne," 10 Sep. 2018 The business model called for a big time investment by each of the founders, but without the same promise of return. — Jane Wooldridge, miamiherald, "Their business partnership won the Business Plan Challenge. Then they split up | Miami Herald," 25 Mar. 2018 Also, health-food names like Kale (35%) and Kiwi (40%) and Saffron (31%) are hitting the big time. — Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, "These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2018 for Boys and Girls," 29 Nov. 2018 Instead, the research suggests that artists who start out seeking connections with powerful curators, dealers and collectors within the nerve center of the art world are far more likely to hit the big time. — Kelly Crow, WSJ, "The Surprising Formula for Becoming an Art Star," 8 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'big-time.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.