big time

American  

noun

1. 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.

2. Slang. a very good time.

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

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big time British  

noun

1. informal

   1. the highest or most profitable level of an occupation or profession, esp the entertainment business

   2. ( as modifier )

      a big-time comedian

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big time Idioms  

1. 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]

2. 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 .

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Other Word Forms

• big-time adjective
• big-timer noun

Etymology

Origin of big time

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Released in November 1990, the album was the band's third and saw them break into the big time, eventually rising to number four in the UK album charts.

From BBC

“We’re going to lose big time on this condo when we sell it,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even with hand-holding from a consultant, scoring luxury travel and trips can require a big time investment and careful planning.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We hit it off big time right out the gate, talking about cartoons, sports,” Jordan recalled.

From Los Angeles Times

This is a make-or-break moment for Paramount, which has little chance of breaking into the big time as a streamer without Warner Bros.’ intellectual property.

From Barron's

Related Words

• big league