big time
- 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.
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Origin of big time
An Americanism dating back to 1860–65
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for big time
Contemporary Examples
But as her audience broadens, you have to wonder, is the big-time toxic to her art?
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 CampaignMarlow Stern
November 21, 2014
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-ListMarlow Stern
August 3, 2014
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 BustWinston Ross, Eliza Shapiro
June 6, 2013
Ware is part of the labor force that makes billions for big-time college sports.
Historical Examples
Big-time Caribbean piracy had grown from very respectable origins.
The SyndicC.M. Kornbluth
You know—a feeling like a try-out before a big-time manager.
Believe You Me!Nina Wilcox Putnam
Sherwoods are big-time people, you know; a sister who's a regular somebody.
Children of the WhirlwindLeroy Scott
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 StationAllen Chapman
Krasnow is a big-time operator; I've always been, you might say, in the peanut end of the game.
Back to JulieRichard Wilson
big time
- informal
- the big timethe highest or most profitable level of an occupation or profession, esp the entertainment business
- (as modifier)a big-time comedian
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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
n.
"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."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Idioms and Phrases with big time
big time
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]
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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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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.