big-time

1 of 3

adjective

ˈbig-ˌtīm 

: relating to or involved in the big time

big-time sports

also : major sense 4

big-time operators

big-time

2 of 3

adverb

: in a major or large-scale way

the new show bombed big-time

also : to a great extent or degree

owes me big-time

big time

3 of 3

noun

-ˌtīm 

1

: a high-paying vaudeville circuit requiring only two performances a day

2

: the top rank of an activity or enterprise

big-timer

ˈbig-ˌtī-mər 

noun

Synonyms

Adverb

• highly
• much
• greatly
• considerably
• utterly
• significantly
• tremendously
• massively
• extensively

Noun

• big(s)

Examples of big-time in a Sentence

Adverb

wow, those renovations improved the library big-time

Noun

the young ad execs knew that their agency had hit the big time when major corporations came calling

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Despite the backlash or even because of it, American Eagle is profiting big-time from the controversy. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Under the new deal, if Tesla’s stock tanks big-time, Musk doesn’t get paid The original plan had a major weakness. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025

Adverb

Read more:Recent live events, rise of David Benavidez show boxing is thriving in Arizona Familia Ramos Anyone who has watched Jesús Ramos fight can see that there is big-time potential in the 22-year-old super welterweight. —José M. Romero, The Arizona Republic, 24 Mar. 2023

All those things can be potential avenues for big-time infections. —Ambar Castillo, STAT, 23 Mar. 2023

Noun

The other big times for HelloFresh coupon codes are around Black Friday and the end of the year. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 5 Aug. 2025

The Whitecaps are already in good shape (second in MLS’ Western Conference) and an agreement with Muller would strengthen their arm big time. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 29 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1910, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1957, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for big-time

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime