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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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
As an inside joke, Keōua’s kahuna, whose tongue Ka’iana rips out of his mouth in front of Keōua during the hectic battle, is played by Kahoʻokahi Kanuha, Momoa’s ʻŌlelo Hawai’i coach.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
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
As an inside joke, Keōua’s kahuna, whose tongue Ka’iana rips out of his mouth in front of Keōua during the hectic battle, is played by Kahoʻokahi Kanuha, Momoa’s ʻŌlelo Hawai’i coach.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for kahuna
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kahuna
Noun
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The congratulatory messages from the two ex-presidents, who are among the Democratic Party’s most popular national figures, appear to be a signal mainstream Democratic heavyweights are warming up to Mamdani as the party continues to regroup following staggering losses nationally in 2024.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
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In the first episode of Season 3, Tommy is working to unite the city's biggest drug heavyweights to solidify his own network alongside his partner, Diamond.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The rosters, which have not been finalized, will consist of Major League Baseball hopefuls with no guarantee of getting to the bigs.—
Denny Alfonso,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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Cherry also resembles one of the best bigs in basketball in Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks, from the build to the high hair and the cool and calm demeanor.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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There is going to be a special burgundy-heavy edition of the book.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
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If the Rockets go big-heavy often, Reed Sheppard loses some shine.—
Stan Son,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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With war looming and chaos consuming the kingdom —drawing in the ruthless kings of other Scandinavian countries and even a powerful English ruler — the stage is set for a thundering, cataclysmic, compelling, and utterly magical new Norse saga.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
11 Nov. 2025
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The marque stopped making the Mulsanne in 2020, meaning rides like the king’s are sure to spark a little nostalgia in the hearts of collectors.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The queen of talking about people behind their backs has an issue with them talking about someone behind their back — but Lisa, of course, rejects this comparison and denies saying anything out of order.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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When a colony becomes too large, the old queen and half the bees head to the new location in a flying swarm.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Perez can continue to have the lion’s share of the catching duties as Jensen navigates his first full season in the majors.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
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Visitors were treated to a traditional lion dance, complete with the eye-dotting ceremony that symbolized good fortune and energy for the new venture.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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His associate director, Hannah (Megan Haley), is the daughter of very successful dental-floss magnates but refuses to ask them to contribute.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
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But a Miami bank did consider the magnate and his family risky.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kahuna.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kahuna. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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