major league

¹

[mey-jer leeg]

noun

1. Baseball.,  either of the two top-tier baseball leagues (the American League and theNational League ) that are organized under and regulated by MLB.

2. Sports.,  a league of corresponding stature in certain other sports, such as ice hockey, soccer, football, or basketball.

major-league

²

[mey-jer-leeg]

adjective

1. Sports.,  of or relating to the major leagues, especially in baseball.

2. Informal.,  belonging to or among the best or most important of its kind.

   a major-league orchestra.

major league

noun

1. a league of highest classification in baseball, football, hockey, etc

Other Word Forms

• major leaguer noun
• major-leaguer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of major league¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Origin of major league²

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; adjective use of major league ( def. )

Example Sentences

For the majority of teams in the major leagues, the last week of the regular season is the last week until spring training.

From Los Angeles Times

An outstanding outfielder in his first three major league seasons, Russell moved to the infield full time in his fourth year.

From Los Angeles Times

The same Roki Sasaki who hasn’t pitched in a major league game in more than four months because of shoulder problems.

From Los Angeles Times

Conger, now a coach for the Minnesota Twins, last played in the major leagues nine years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

When he made his major league debut on May 25, 2008, the Dodgers had not won a postseason series in 20 years.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• big league 
• big time 
• majors www.thesaurus.com