bigwig

American  

[big-wig] / ˈbɪgˌwɪg /

noun

Informal.

1. an important person, especially an official.

   senators and other political bigwigs.

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bigwig British  

/ ˈbɪɡˌwɪɡ /

noun

1. informal an important person

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Other Word Forms

• bigwigged adjective
• bigwiggedness noun

Etymology

Origin of bigwig

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

Explanation

A bigwig is a very important person — in fact, you might call her a VIP. One bigwig at a university is its president, and the main bigwig in state government is typically the governor. If you're a bigwig in the world of competitive chess, you are a well-known and respected player. A government bigwig is a person with a good deal of power and influence, and a corporate bigwig might own an enormous company. This word dates from the 18th century, when powerful, distinguished men tended to wear large, impressive wigs.

Example Sentences

“I always thought ‘The Goonies’ deserved a sequel,” a Monarch bigwig will sniff ironically when the youngsters set off on a mad mission; but people do love “The Goonies.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2023

At the bigwig donor function on the Belle, Marty, Wendy, Charlotte, Jonah and Ruth are all dressed in their finest which, in this context, looks like they're dressed for a funeral.

From Salon • May 6, 2022

With no bigwig to enlist, people who object to what appears on their article page try to navigate Wikipedia on their own, an often-treacherous experience.

From Washington Post • Oct. 28, 2021

She was always trying to sell ads, so she’d invite a potential bigwig advertiser to lunch, too.

From New York Times • Aug. 27, 2021

Grandpa must of been twenty-five at least when he turned over the privy at the depot with a Yankee railroad bigwig in it.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Related Words

• mogul