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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kahuna
Today may not be your actual filing deadline: Yes, April 15 is the big kahuna of tax-filing deadlines for most people.
—
Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
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 Rebate Project, though, is the big kahuna.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2021
See All Example Sentences for kahuna
Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
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 Rebate Project, though, is the big kahuna.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2021
See All Example Sentences for kahuna
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kahuna
Noun
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While the decision was ridiculous, neither of them is going to strike fear in the hearts of the top heavyweights.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Fans also witnessed a matchup between South Shore teams that needed triple overtime to be decided, as Patriot League heavyweight Duxbury emerged victorious on the road against a very talented Abington squad (a 52-44 final).—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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She’s tasked with slowing down top opposing bigs, and her versatility and willingness to defend some of the league’s best is key to freeing up Collier on both ends.—
Ben Pickman,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
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Making things sweeter, Stubbs was called to the bigs on the same day his brother Garrett, who has played in 192 major league games over six seasons with the Astros and Phillies, was called up to the big leagues by Philadelphia.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Previously home to a long-standing restaurant called Andiamo, the space had a dark, wood-heavy aesthetic.—
Amanda Lauren,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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That something special largely comes from a heavy, spitting topspin forehand that dovetails with an aggressive backhand slice — the result of Tjen growing up idolizing three-time Grand Slam champion Ash Barty.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The day will end with a state banquet, during which both the king and president will make speeches.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
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Nearby lies a king-sized bed, which is the only sleeping area.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Trending Video For consistency, all of the prices reflect queen sizes.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
10 Sep. 2025
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The show created by and starring Florence Longpré, a queen of Canadian dramedy, is playing on Bell’s streamer Crave in Canada, and Canal+ in France.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In the lion’s den, no less, at left leaning venues, hoping facts and common sense would prevail.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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In Tanzania, visitors can see wild chimpanzees, huge lion prides, the incredible mass birthing of wildebeest in late February and early March, and dense concentrations of elephants in the dry season from June to October.—
Kent Redding,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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His daughter, philanthropist Mitzi Perdue, widow of the late poultry magnate Frank Perdue, is among the heirs selling the 104-acre spread for $15 million, co-listed with Compass agents Sean Bakhtiari and Colby Coppage.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
16 Sep. 2025
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The American Century that publishing magnate Henry Luce famously described in 1941 has to all intents and purposes come to an end.—
John Rennie Short,
The Conversation,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kahuna.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kahuna. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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