big time

noun

1. Informal. the highest or most important level in any profession or occupation:

   She's a talented violinist, but she's not ready for the big time.

2. Slang. a very good time.
3. Theater. (in vaudeville) any highly successful circuit of theaters that produces two performances daily.

big time

noun

1. informal.
   1. the highest or most profitable level of an occupation or profession, esp the entertainment business
   2. ( as modifier )

      a big-time comedian

Derived Forms

• ˈbig-ˈtimer, noun

Other Words From

• big-time adjective
• big-timer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of big time¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

You can’t help but miss out on something, and miss out big time.

From Los Angeles Times

But if there's one person Trump owes big time it's Musk and he's already thoroughly entrenched in the national security apparatus as a major defense contractor.

From Salon

"Villa had their best league finish for 28 years last season and quietly he has taken this club back to the big time," he said.

From BBC

After a 41-year absence from Europe’s top club competition, Aston Villa are back in the big time – and in some style.

From BBC

When I was coming back from the lung-cancer surgery or this one where I had to be quiet, just looking at the water was big time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• big league