major league

¹ American  

[mey-jer leeg] / ˈmeɪ dʒər ˈlig /

noun

1. Baseball. either of the two top-tier baseball leagues (the American League and theNational League ) that are organized under and regulated by MLB.

2. Sports. a league of corresponding stature in certain other sports, such as ice hockey, soccer, football, or basketball.

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major-league ² American  

[mey-jer-leeg] / ˈmeɪ dʒərˈlig /

adjective

1. Sports. of or relating to the major leagues, especially in baseball.

2. Informal. belonging to or among the best or most important of its kind.

   a major-league orchestra.

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major league British  

noun

1. a league of highest classification in baseball, football, hockey, etc

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Other Word Forms

• major leaguer noun
• major-leaguer noun

Etymology

Origin of major league¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Origin of major-league¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; adjective use of major league ( def. )

Example Sentences

As major league owners meet this week to plot strategy, the powers that be will consider the probable push for a salary cap.

From Los Angeles Times

After several seasons in the minors, he played his first major league game in September 2014.

From Los Angeles Times

Rojas, who has said this will be his last major league season as a player, has sustained a succession of lower-body injuries in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times

Now another dream appears to have been dashed for the daughter of former major league baseball player Ted Uhlaender — representing the United States in a record sixth consecutive Winter Olympics.

From Los Angeles Times

It was alumni day on Saturday at Harvard-Westlake’s O’Malley Family Field, and the Wolverines unveiled a new way to honor their nine former players who made it to the major leagues.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• big league
• big time
• majors