big sister
Americannoun
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an elder sister.
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(sometimes initial capital letters) a woman who individually or as a member of an organized group undertakes to sponsor or assist a girl in need of help or guidance.
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(sometimes initial capital letters) a young woman in the junior or senior class in college who advises a young woman in the freshman class on studies, social activities, etc., often as a part of a sorority program.
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.
And although the phrase was thrown at Ariana Grande before a screening of “Wicked,” her work as Glinda was big sister at best.
From Salon ● May 10, 2026
What she found was that the relationship went beyond business; she sees her agent as part negotiator, part therapist, part big sister.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 4, 2026
In this week’s episode of The Envelope podcast, the “Sentimental Value” star reflects on growing up onscreen and following in big sister Dakota Fanning’s footsteps.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 26, 2026
Affectionately called "big sister" by her teammates, she is leading a new generation of Japanese stars including Nakai, 17, and Chiba, 20.
From Barron's ● Feb. 17, 2026
“And you know what? You’re going to be the best big sister, Emilia.”
From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys
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.
