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Synonyms

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:

"He's on his own, rattling around in his big house with all these demons and ghosts, and the consequences of his deeds come rushing back in."

From BBC Mar. 5, 2026

Monica, whose other clients include “some of the top handball players in Serbia,” “a kid who plays Fortnite, and Geena Davis, but only for archery,” might as well be living in Reggie’s big house.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 23, 2026

Macksoud, who sold that big house after just 18 months, said she has “worked really hard” to understand how money contributes to her own happiness.

From MarketWatch Nov. 21, 2025

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

By now she should have finished college and moved into a big house on the Hill, making her own way and trying out the newest of the new fur hats, like Ella.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz

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