big name

¹

noun

1. a person who has a preeminent public reputation in a specified field.

   He's a big name in education.

big-name

²

[big-neym]

adjective

1. having a widespread public reputation as a leader in a specified field; famous.

   a big-name doctor; a big-name actress.

2. of, relating to, or composed of a big-name person or persons.

big name

noun

1. informal

   1. a famous person

   2. ( as modifier )

      a big-name performer

Word History and Origins

Origin of big name¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Origin of big name²

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

Jeremy Corbyn may be a big name, but Mark Diffley says there is little to suggest he has personally captured the imagination of the Scottish electorate.

From BBC

Incidentally, one big name has already thrown her hat in the ring: Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart took to social media after the couple's engagement announcement to offer up her services.

From BBC

But his resume currently lacks a big name.

From BBC

Much like with traditional sport, there are large screens, big name sponsors and commentators.

From BBC

"Whenever a big name band was coming to town, we'd load up the van with all our stuff and then just wait outside the venue on the off-chance they might not show up," Osbourne later recalled.

From BBC