big gun

noun

Synonyms of big gunnext
: one having preeminent status or power in a field

Examples of big gun in a Sentence

for a high-profile case like this, the law firm uses only its big guns
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.
Stars don’t shine The Bruins’ big guns finished with some ugly numbers for the series. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026 But the Penguins’ big guns are starting to turn back the clock. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Related Stories Chile, as the guest country of honor, will be sending its big guns with Pablo Larrain, Sebastián Lelio and Maite Alberdi leading a contingent. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026 Anthopoulos wants a big gun Obviously, the Braves are shopping to augment their starting rotation. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for big gun

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of big gun was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20gun. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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