big time

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR big time ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Informal. the highest or most important level in any profession or occupation: She's a talented violinist, but she's not ready for the big time.

Slang. a very good time.

Theater. (in vaudeville) any highly successful circuit of theaters that produces two performances daily.

Origin of big time

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Related formsbig-time, adjectivebig-tim·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for big time

But as her audience broadens, you have to wonder, is the big-time toxic to her art?
Is Bigger Better for St. Vincent?|David Yaffe|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She says she met Cosby, a Temple alumnus and big-time donor to the university, in November 2002.
How Bill Cosby Allegedly Silenced His Accusers Through A Tabloid Smear Campaign|Marlow Stern|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A lot of big-time directors have been influenced by B-movie guys like Kaufman and Roger Corman, in particular.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Filmmaker James Gunn on His Glorious Space Opera and Rise to the A-List|Marlow Stern|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Taubin said he was shocked to allegations that his neighbor was a big-time weed grower.
‘Weeds’ Come to Life? Scarsdale Mom Arrested in Massive Pot Bust|Winston Ross, Eliza Shapiro|June 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Ware is part of the labor force that makes billions for big-time college sports.
NCAA Championship: The Shame Behind the Game|Evan Weiner|April 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
No one rejoiced more than they when they learned that he was at last in the big-time circuit.
The Radio Boys at the Sending Station|Allen Chapman
You know—a feeling like a try-out before a big-time manager.
Believe You Me!|Nina Wilcox Putnam
The little lady had completed her spring drinking and was now en route to a big-time meal-ticket scheduled to start from Chicago.
Lady Luck|Hugh Wiley
Wait till you see your name in two-foot electrics over the front of every big-time house in the country.
Cheerful--By Request|Edna Ferber
Krasnow is a big-time operator; I've always been, you might say, in the peanut end of the game.
Back to Julie|Richard Wilson

British Dictionary definitions for big time

big time

noun

informal

the big time the highest or most profitable level of an occupation or profession, esp the entertainment business
(as modifier)a big-time comedian

Derived Formsbig-timer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for big time

big time

"upper reaches of a profession or pursuit," c.1910 from vaudeville slang; the phrase was common in colloquial use late 19c.-early 20c. in a broad range of senses: "party, shindig, fun, frolic."

Idioms and Phrases with big time

big time

An enjoyable or exciting time, as in The children came home exhausted but happy; they really had a big time at the circus. [Mid-1800s]

The highest or most important level in any enterprise, as in I knew that when I made it through the last audition, I was finally in the big time. [Colloquial; c. 1900] Also see big league.