Definition

1. Noun:
   • The highest level of success, fame, or prominence in a particular field, especially entertainment or sports: Refers to the major leagues or the top tier of an industry.
   • A very significant degree or amount: Used informally to emphasize the large scale or importance of something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After years of performing in small clubs, she finally made it to the big time with a starring role on Broadway.
  • Losing that contract was big time trouble for the company. (Informal adjectival/adverbial use)

Advanced Usage

• "Make the big time": To achieve major success or recognition in one's field.
  • He practiced every day, dreaming of the moment he would make the big time.
• "Big-time" (as a modifier): Functioning as an adjective or adverb to mean "major," "important," or "to a great degree." (Note: This is a common compound variant).
  • She's a big-time executive in the tech industry. (Adjective)
  • The team messed up big-time in the final minutes. (Adverb)

Variants and Related Words

• Big-time (adjective/adverb): Of or relating to the highest level; very.
  • A big-time investor; to fail big-time.
• Big-timer (noun): A person who is very successful or important, especially in entertainment.
  • The party was full of Hollywood big-timers.

Synonyms

• Major leagues
• Top tier
• The majors
• The big leagues

Related Idioms

• Hit the big time: To suddenly become very successful or famous.
  • Their viral video meant the band had finally hit the big time.

Noun

1. the highest level of an occupation (especially in entertainment)