big league

¹

[big leeg]

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.

big-league

²

[big-leeg]

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.

Other Word Forms

• big leaguer noun
• big-leaguer noun

Word History and Origins

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Related Words

• big time 
• majors www.thesaurus.com