bigwig

[big-wig]

noun

Informal.

1. an important person, especially an official.

   senators and other political bigwigs.

bigwig

/ ˈbɪɡˌwɪɡ /

noun

1. informal,  an important person

Other Word Forms

• bigwigged adjective
• bigwiggedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bigwig¹

First recorded in 1725–35; rhyming compound from phrase big wig, i.e., person important enough to wear such a wig

Example Sentences

The corruption revelations tend to range from the somewhat venal — party bigwigs living on limited government salaries enjoying lavish lifestyles — to more insidious allegations of Morena officials in league with organized crime.

From Los Angeles Times

Don't forget Reeves has several different audiences – not just the public and her party, but the financial bigwigs too.

From BBC

The bowing and scraping from some corporate bigwigs is so pathetic that it sometimes gets comical.

From Salon

The president donned a tux to tell the GOP bigwigs his reciprocal tariff plan was going swimmingly.

From Salon

The art at the center of these industries is, to many of these bigwigs, a means to an end.

From Salon

Related Words

• mogul