bigwig
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing bigwig
Auggie & Me
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Internment
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Everything on a Waffle
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Amodei is a physics nerd turned AI bigwig known for writing lengthy philosophical blog posts on the impact of his work and unpredictably diving into public battles, including with the Trump administration.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026
Owens’ debut work of fiction is a romantic thriller about an outcast young woman on trial for the murder of a local bigwig in 1960s North Carolina.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2022
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
Richard Seroter, a tech bigwig out in Washington state, had his work day whacked by a Seattle snow day.
From Washington Post • Jan. 3, 2022
Stuff Mom saves for bigwig parties and award ceremonies in the city.
From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
