major league
Noun 1. The highest level of professional competition in a team sport: Refers to the premier division or league in a sport, characterized by the highest skill level, largest audiences, and most significant commercial and media attention. While historically and strongly associated with baseball, the term is also applied to other sports. * In baseball, the American League and the National League are the two major leagues. * He finally achieved his dream of playing in the major league.
The term "major league" is used to denote the top tier of professional sports. It functions as a noun, often appearing as part of the proper names of specific leagues (e.g., Major League Baseball). It can be used attributively as a modifier (e.g., "major league team," "major league stadium").
Examples: * She was called up from the minor leagues to join a major league club. * The stadium was built to major league standards. * Making it to the major leagues requires immense talent and dedication.
- "The major leagues" (plural): Commonly used to refer collectively to the top professional leagues, especially in baseball.
- He spent his entire career in the major leagues.
- Figurative/Informal Use: Used metaphorically to describe any field, activity, or group operating at the highest level of importance, seriousness, or competitiveness.
- This new contract puts our company in the major leagues of the tech industry.
- That was a major league mistake with serious consequences.
- Major Leaguer (noun): A player who competes in a major league.
- The veteran major leaguer mentored the rookies.
- Major-League (adjective): Functioning as an adjective to describe something characteristic of or belonging to the major leagues.
- They signed a major-league contract.
- It was a major-league scandal.
- Big leagues (informal synonym, nearly identical in meaning)
- Top division
- Premier league (used in specific sports like soccer)
- Highest level
- Minor league
- Farm team
- Amateur league
- Lower division
- To be in/play in the major leagues: To participate at the highest professional level.
- Very few athletes get to play in the major leagues.
- Major league stuff: (Informal) Possessing the qualities or skills needed for the highest level.
- That young pitcher has major league stuff.
- the most important league in any sport (especially baseball)