bigwig

noun

big·​wig ˈbig-ˌwig How to pronounce bigwig (audio)
: an important person

Examples of bigwig in a Sentence

a bigwig in local politics interviewed by several bigwigs on the hospital's staff
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.
Connect with people on every level, from team members to bigwigs. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025 The bigwigs at Paramount reluctantly accepted him at a very reduced salary. Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025 As the fashion types begin to migrate to New York for the start of fashion week, the C-suite bigwigs were leaning in on Wall Street, courting investors at Goldman Sachs’ annual retail conference. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 Any corporate bigwig who doesn’t donate generously to Trump’s presidential library — or to Republican campaigns — may soon be a former corporate bigwig. Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bigwig

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bigwig was in 1703

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Cite this Entry

“Bigwig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bigwig. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

bigwig

noun
big·​wig ˈbig-ˌwig How to pronounce bigwig (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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