the big city

noun phrase

used to refer to a particular city without naming it
I grew up on a farm, so my move to the big city was a big change.
life in the big city

Examples of the big city in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In a landscape of fear and scarcity, where basic ingredients are nearly impossible to find, Lamia sets out on a determined journey throughout the big city in search of eggs, flour and sugar. Carole Horst, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025 This is where real stories happen, and the big city that looms to the south is only a backdrop. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025 The show follows Rauw’s Don Raúl as the young immigrant tries to make it in the big city — and along the way falls in love, experiences betrayal and even gets arrested. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025 After twenty years in New York City, the novelty of being a country mouse in the big city had worn off. Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for the big city

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Cite this Entry

“The big city.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20big%20city. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.

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