bigger; biggest
1
: large in size
a big house/room/field
a big glass of soda
He is a big [=tall and heavy] man.
She moved to a bigger city.
the biggest city in the state
The tent is big enough for 10 people. [=there is enough space in the tent for 10 people]
A great big [=very large, huge] truck pulled up beside us.
I can't understand her writing; she uses too many big words. [=long words that many people don't know the meaning of]
2
: large in number or amount
He led a big group through the museum.
She was earning big money [=a lot of money] as a lawyer.
3
: involving or including many people, things, etc.
She works for a big company.
He organized a big advertising campaign.
We had a big fund-raiser for the school.
4
always used before a noun
a
: tending to do something more often than most people
He's a big eater. [=he often eats large amounts of food]
She's a big shopper. [=she shops often]
b
: feeling or showing a lot of excitement or enthusiasm
I'm a big fan of their music.
He gave me a big smile/hug.
5
: important or significant
She became a big star in movies.
He's big in local politics.
The changes will have a big [=major] impact on the community.
Our biggest concern is for the safety of the children.
This job is my big chance.
The movie was a big flop.
They have big plans for the future.
She was a big [=great] help during his illness.
Buying this car was a big [=serious] mistake.
I was nervous in the weeks leading up to the wedding day, but felt surprisingly calm on the day of the big event.
Tomorrow is the big day. [=the day that something important happens]
Her suggestion made a big difference [=led to important changes] in the final product.
She wanted to go in a big way. [=very much, badly]
6
always used before a noun informal
—used to express strong dislike or disapproval
You're nothing but a big sissy/bully!
If you marry her you're an even bigger fool [=you're even more of a fool] than I thought you were!
7
informal
: older or more grown up
my big [=older] sister/brother
He's a big boy now. [=he is less like a baby now]
8
: very popular
That toy is always a big seller.
The band was a big hit abroad.
Her books are big with teenagers.
She thinks longer skirts will be big this year.
Designers will discuss the next big thing [=a future trend] in home decorating.
9
: generous or kind
It was big of him to forgive them after the way they treated him.
She was big about it and invited him along.
He has a big heart. [=he is a kind person]
—sometimes used in an ironic way to say that someone is not being very generous or kindYou can spare us a whole five minutes of your time? Well, that's big of you!
10
: very strong, forceful, etc.
There was a big [=powerful] storm last night.
1
: in a big way
They won/lost big [=they won/lost a large amount] at the casino.
2
: in a way that is meant to impress people
He talks big about his plans, but he hasn't done much yet.
Cite this Entry
“Big.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/big. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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