Big Apple
Britishnoun
Etymology
Origin of Big Apple
C20: probably from US jazzmen's earlier use to mean any big, esp northern, city; of obscure origin
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.
While in the Big Apple, Island's boss asked Taylor to look after a reggae band who were coming to town.
From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026
The Knicks took a commanding 2-0 lead on Friday in the best of seven series against the San Antonio Spurs, and now the action shifts to the Big Apple for games three and four.
From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026
Although Salt Lake City may not be known for the excitement synonymous with the Big Apple, Leavitt has plenty of drama to keep her busy back in production on “Mormon Wives.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
Victoria’s Secret star Stam, 40, moved from the Big Apple to Maui during the pandemic, alongside her husband, Brahman Turner, and their two children.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026
Roxbury is old news, compared to the energy and excitement radiating from the Big Apple.
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
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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.