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big house

American  
[big hous] / ˈbɪg ˌhaʊs /

noun

Slang.
  1. Usually the big house a penitentiary.


Etymology

Origin of big house

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Why live in a big house when you can downsize in a state with a lower cost of living?

From MarketWatch Jan. 14, 2026

Denise Yarmlak, who is 69, single and didn’t want to live alone, bought a big house in Nevada with a friend.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 18, 2025

A person can get lost in a big house, all alone, with nothing but their memories as a cold bedfellow.

From Salon Jul. 28, 2025

But how could a curious little girl do that in a big house full of treasures?

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 23, 2025

“It’s strange that Rashid Uncle lives in this big house all alone. Did you see the paintings?”

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani

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