big kahuna

American  

[big kuh-hoo-nuh] / ˈbɪg kəˈhu nə /

noun

Slang.

1. the most important or dominant person or thing: Their scholarship program is the industry’s big kahuna.

   He’s the big kahuna of a large travel agency.

   Their scholarship program is the industry’s big kahuna.

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Etymology

Origin of big kahuna

First recorded in 1955–60; see origin at big ¹ ( def. ), kahuna ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

big kahuna

"Given the interest of the majority of states in pursuing this issue, we think it's only appropriate that the big kahuna, the federal government, take action as well."

From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2024

Both sit in the shadow of the streaming service’s big kahuna, this hit about F1 drivers entering its fifth season.

From New York Times ● Feb. 18, 2023

Still, there were others: The heart-tugging “CODA” had a great night, winning best supporting actor, best adapted screenplay and the big kahuna, best picture, ending the ceremony on an ebullient note.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 28, 2022

The Rebate Project, though, is the big kahuna.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2021

Golf's upper echelon is lush with firepower and a compelling argument can be made for a number of players as the current big kahuna.

From Golf Digest ● Nov. 6, 2018

Related Words

• bigwig
• dignitary
• heavyweight
• mogul