Mr. Big

American  

noun

Slang.

1. a man having the highest authority, control, prestige, or influence in a group, field, situation, or the like, especially in the underworld.

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Mr Big British  

noun

1. slang the head of an organization, esp of a criminal organization

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Etymology

Origin of Mr. Big

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The chat started with a question about their worst dates then segued into Mr. Big asking what the two expect from a guy on a first date.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

“He’s Mr. Big Shot,” added Jones, who snared 11 of his own boards, good for his sixth double-double of the season.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 27, 2024

After Mr. Big spots this promise, he gets his old squad, the Chocolate Chips, back together, now with Merlin at the helm.

From New York Times • Aug. 17, 2023

It turns out, Mr. Big was the bigger bad habit she couldn’t quit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 27, 2023

“Calm down, calm down,” said Mr. Big Bucks Ballard, pulling at his tie.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt