Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

big sister

American  

noun

  1. an elder sister.

  2. (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.

  3. (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

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "big sister" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com