big league

¹ American  

[big leeg] / ˈbɪg ˈlig /

noun

1. Sports. a major league, as in baseball.

   His debut in the big leagues was as a relief pitcher for the Dodgers in the final game of the regular season.

2. Informal. the area of greatest competition, highest achievement or rewards, etc..

   He's a local politician who isn't ready for the big league.

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big-league ² American  

[big-leeg] / ˈbɪgˈlig /

adjective

1. Sports. of or belonging to a major league.

   a big-league pitcher.

2. Informal. among the largest, foremost, etc., of its kind.

   the big-league steel companies.

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big league Idioms  

1. An area of tough competition and high rewards; the largest or foremost of its kind. For example, Winning an Oscar put this unknown actress in the big league. The term alludes to the major (big) leagues of American baseball. [Late 1800s] Also see big time, def. 2.

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Other Word Forms

• big leaguer noun
• big-leaguer noun

Etymology

Origin of big league¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Origin of big-league²

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; adjective use of big league

Example Sentences

Sterger said she’s seen a lot of character work fall flat, even in the “big leagues” when it comes to wrestling, just because they didn’t know how to be a convincing storyteller.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers are just as good, if not better, at everything in the minor leagues and in the big leagues.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I definitely want to obviously pitch in the big leagues, make the team out of camp.”

From Los Angeles Times

The middle infielder enters his 13th and final big league season with a total of 57 home runs.

From Los Angeles Times

But after playing catch-up for several decades, Poland must now adapt to life in the big leagues.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• big time
• majors