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

Harvard-Westlake 83, Santa Margarita 62: After losing three of their last four games, the Wolverines have come back big time in the Open Division playoffs, winning their pool with an impressive road win.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

"That's a big time play for us older heads... We know how to keep our heads and execute."

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

And when you look there, you’ll see that Jerome Powell and the Fed have cut rates — big time.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

Cameron Young showed at the Ryder Cup that he is built for the big time.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

What will Arthur do for Erik, his sponsor, his benefactor, his ticket to the big time?

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor

Related Words

• big league