big band

noun

1. a jazz or dance band that is the size of an orchestra.

big band

noun

1. a large jazz or dance band, popular esp in the 1930s to the 1950s

Word History and Origins

Origin of big band¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The courtly gentleman guided women around the floor to big band standards with all the aplomb of teenage boys waltzing at a cotillion dance they’ve been forced to attend by their parents.

From Salon

He said: "There's a pretty big buzz around the city for it. It's always cool when you get big bands come but especially for this when it's been years since they have played."

From BBC

“Country songs, rock songs, pop songs, operatics, big band, rap stuff — it’s all over the map,” Marsh says.

From Los Angeles Times

His experience working with big bands made for easy work, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Arriving on stage in a sparkly tuxedo dress, she rearranged her hits Espresso and Please Please Please in a jazzy big band style, and even delivered a fleet-footed tap dance sequence.

From BBC

Related Words

• jazz band