the big leagues
plural noun
US
: the two highest U.S. baseball leagues (the American League and the National League)
He always dreamed of playing in the big leagues.
—often used figurativelyShe's moving up to the big leagues in the television industry.
She's in the big leagues now, working for a major law firm in a large city.
Examples of the big leagues in a Sentence
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That is the long-term hope the Yankees have for the farmhand, though temporary relief work could get Lagrange in the big leagues sooner and hasn’t been ruled out by the club.
—
Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
In September 2003, Dominican relief pitcher Jose Paniagua was handed another chance in the big leagues.
—Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Other top prospects in the Dodgers’ organization have found their footing in the big leagues only after leaving – Michael Busch with the Chicago Cubs, Miguel Vargas with the crosstown Chicago White Sox.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
His defensive abilities at shortstop and center field could play in the big leagues right now.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
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Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
In September 2003, Dominican relief pitcher Jose Paniagua was handed another chance in the big leagues.
—Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Other top prospects in the Dodgers’ organization have found their footing in the big leagues only after leaving – Michael Busch with the Chicago Cubs, Miguel Vargas with the crosstown Chicago White Sox.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
His defensive abilities at shortstop and center field could play in the big leagues right now.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the big leagues
Cite this Entry
“The big leagues.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20big%20leagues. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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