major league

¹

[mey-jer leeg]

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.

major-league

²

[mey-jer-leeg]

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.

major league

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• major leaguer noun
• major-leaguer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of major league¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Origin of major league²

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

Example Sentences

But he can also be as calm and understanding as a high school counselor, making him a good fit for one of the youngest rosters in the major leagues.

From Los Angeles Times

No other pitcher with at least 13 major league starts has gone longer without a win this season.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think he’s free to just be a major league shortstop. I truly, to this day, have never seen a position change like Mookie has.”

From Los Angeles Times

He’d hit four home runs, and in the eighth inning had a chance to become the first player in major league history to hit a fifth.

From Los Angeles Times

And, as the entertainment companies reach customers in the United States, the Dodgers reach fans in Japan, where they have leveraged Ohtani to become the dominant major league team.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• big league 
• big time 
• majors www.thesaurus.com