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.
Strickland has not allowed a run in four innings in big league exhibitions so far this spring. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026 That’s the cost of big league improvement. Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026 Smith made the most of his big league opportunity once with the White Sox, establishing himself as Chicago’s best starter and earning All-Star honors as a rookie. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026 Ryan has started in all but one of his 115 career games in his five big league seasons. Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 14 Mar. 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 Mar. 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