big league

¹

[big leeg]

noun

1. Sports.,  a major league, as in baseball.

   His debut in the big leagues was as a relief pitcher for the Dodgers in the final game of the regular season.

2. Informal.,  the area of greatest competition, highest achievement or rewards, etc..

   He's a local politician who isn't ready for the big league.

big-league

²

[big-leeg]

adjective

1. Sports.,  of or belonging to a major league.

   a big-league pitcher.

2. Informal.,  among the largest, foremost, etc., of its kind.

   the big-league steel companies.

Other Word Forms

• big leaguer noun
• big-leaguer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of big league¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Origin of big league²

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; adjective use of big league

Idioms and Phrases

An area of tough competition and high rewards; the largest or foremost of its kind. For example, Winning an Oscar put this unknown actress in the big league. The term alludes to the major (big) leagues of American baseball. [Late 1800s] Also see big time, def. 2.

Example Sentences

Tong will make a start with the big league team after pitching 11.2 innings in Syracuse without giving up a run while striking out 17.

From Los Angeles Times

He made his big league debut in 2019, the same year Rushing graduated high school.

From Los Angeles Times

“But I would say there’s very few teams in the big leagues playing their best defensive lineup every night. Even in a postseason race, you’ve still got to score.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I wish her the best moving forward as she continues to, I’m sure, hopefully one day be up full time, you know, a permanent big league umpire,” McCullough said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Defensively, he was already to play in the big leagues. He made some unbelievable plays … But offensively, he found his stroke. His plate discipline was more consistent. And he had an unbelievable season.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• big time 
• majors www.thesaurus.com