as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group
a big kahuna at a Hollywood talent agency, he's got the fancy car to prove it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of kahuna
The ISM Manufacturing Index kicks things off today with plenty of more data over the coming days, anchored by the big kahuna, Friday’s employment situation report for July.
—
Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022
But the big kahuna is still to come, as the company finally confirmed that the Supra is officially getting a manual transmission.
—Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 15 Apr. 2022
The big kahuna of their SoCal tour-within-a-tour this week is Wednesday night’s show at Crypto.com Arena, a venue that’s seven miles and about 43 years from the Masque, where the earliest incarnation of the group started out as a punk group.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Mar. 2022
And the big kahuna of them all, the Oscars, are just around the corner.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 22 Dec. 2021
See All Example Sentences for kahuna
Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022
But the big kahuna is still to come, as the company finally confirmed that the Supra is officially getting a manual transmission.
—Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 15 Apr. 2022
The big kahuna of their SoCal tour-within-a-tour this week is Wednesday night’s show at Crypto.com Arena, a venue that’s seven miles and about 43 years from the Masque, where the earliest incarnation of the group started out as a punk group.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Mar. 2022
And the big kahuna of them all, the Oscars, are just around the corner.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 22 Dec. 2021
See All Example Sentences for kahuna
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kahuna
Noun
-
With all three now (seemingly) gone, the C’s are left with a collection of bigs that might be the least impressive in the NBA: Neemias Queta, newcomer Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman and second-round draft pick Amari Williams.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
15 July 2025
-
The goal is to get Ethan’s bat to the bigs, ready to create middle-of-the-order impact.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
First question first: Is Usyk the GOAT of the heavies?—
Anthony Stitt,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
And if that timeliness doesn't impress you, maybe Cap wrecking a bunch of heavies in an elevator will.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Edward was on the throne for less than a year, having been named king on Jan. 20, 1936, when King George V died.—
Alex Apatoff,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
The first 20,000 fans will receive a Barry Bonds bobblehead, and Bonds will throw out the ceremonial first pitch in addition to other pregame festivities honoring the all-time home run king.—
Evan Webeck,
Mercury News,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
While Jon is bound to leadership by a sense of duty, Daenerys sees herself as a liberator, a queen steeped in moral righteousness who freed slaves across the sea for the greater good.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
14 July 2017
-
THE TRENDSETTER Salt & Straw is the homecoming queen of ice cream in LA.—
Cole Kazdin,
Los Angeles Magazine,
14 July 2017
Noun
-
Located approximately 50 miles north of West Palm Beach, the areas close to Coral Cove Park, Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, and Jupiter Island Country Park are home to lion's paws, sand dollars, and coquinas.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
24 July 2025
-
Ethiopia’s lions are rather revered in Ethiopia, and are the country’s national symbol, adorning statues and the local currency.—
Mark Gray,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
Effectively Building Brand Recognition with Purpose and Preparation Diane Primo, CEO, marketing magnate, and communication innovator, served as the keynote speaker.—
Essence,
Essence,
30 June 2025
-
Hefty Payroll Money is no object to Mets owner Steve Cohen, who made a fortune as a hedge fund magnate before buying the ballclub five years ago.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kahuna.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kahuna. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share