big band

noun

1. a jazz or dance band that is the size of an orchestra.

big band

noun

1. a large jazz or dance band, popular esp in the 1930s to the 1950s

Word History and Origins

Origin of big band¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Later, Dizzy Gillespie hired Morgan to replace Joe Gordon in his big band.

From Washington Post

The 130-person Field Band comprises several performing groups, from orchestra to big band ensemble, jazz group to a country outfit called the Six-String Soldiers.

From Washington Post

The song brought to mind the comforting prewar music of the big bands.

From Time

“Sue (Or In a Season of Crime)” brings the rock chameleon into jazz territory, backed up by a horn-heavy jazz big band.

From The Daily Beast

He did it with a big band, as if he was in his own golden era of old Broadway.

From The Daily Beast

This kind of situation happened over and over again in the big-band years and later during the doo-wop era.

From The Daily Beast

Burleigh says he 'lost his nerve' when they met Red Cloud's big band.

From Project Gutenberg

A big band of deer's workin' down this way, and they're like to come out any time.

From Project Gutenberg

Once without much difficulty I regularly rounded up a big band of them, so that John Burroughs could look at them.

From Project Gutenberg

I were comin' t' my lower tilt, an' when I gets handy t' un what does I see but a big band o' mountaineers around th' tilt.

From Project Gutenberg

We both stopped an' looked eround, an' thar stood watchin' us a big band o' wild hawgs.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• jazz band