big sister
Americannoun
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an elder sister.
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(sometimes initial capital letters) a woman who individually or as a member of an organized group undertakes to sponsor or assist a girl in need of help or guidance.
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(sometimes initial capital letters) a young woman in the junior or senior class in college who advises a young woman in the freshman class on studies, social activities, etc., often as a part of a sorority program.
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.
"She will grow up knowing that she has a big sister," says Lauryn.
From BBC • May 11, 2026
Halle Berry feels like a big sister, always imbuing a bit of sagacity but distinct youthfulness into every film she does.
From Salon • May 10, 2026
What she found was that the relationship went beyond business; she sees her agent as part negotiator, part therapist, part big sister.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026
In this week’s episode of The Envelope podcast, the “Sentimental Value” star reflects on growing up onscreen and following in big sister Dakota Fanning’s footsteps.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026
Of course, she was his big sister and he wanted to play.
From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.