bigwig

American  

[big-wig] / ˈbɪgˌwɪg /

noun

Informal.

1. an important person, especially an official.

   senators and other political bigwigs.

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bigwig British  

/ ˈbɪɡˌwɪɡ /

noun

1. informal an important person

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• bigwigged
  adjective
• bigwiggedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of bigwig

First recorded in 1725–35; rhyming compound from phrase big wig, i.e., person important enough to wear such a wig

Explanation

A bigwig is a very important person — in fact, you might call her a VIP. One bigwig at a university is its president, and the main bigwig in state government is typically the governor. If you're a bigwig in the world of competitive chess, you are a well-known and respected player. A government bigwig is a person with a good deal of power and influence, and a corporate bigwig might own an enormous company. This word dates from the 18th century, when powerful, distinguished men tended to wear large, impressive wigs.

Related Words

• mogul