major league

¹

[ mey-jer leeg ]

noun

1. Baseball. either of the two top-tier baseball leagues (the American League and the National 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 Words From

• ma·jor lea·guer ma·jor-lea·guer 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

As you might imagine, ticket demand is higher for the defending World Series champions than for the team that lost 121 games, the most of any major league team since 1899.

From Los Angeles Times

Only one Paul Skenes major league rookie debut patch autograph card exists.

From Los Angeles Times

Though he never replicated the highs of his 2012 season and was out of the major leagues by the end of 2013, Cruz has remained a beloved figure at Chavez Ravine over the last decade.

From Los Angeles Times

The 25 players come from clubs in nine countries, including all five of Europe’s major leagues.

From Los Angeles Times

The committee that year comprised largely Hall of Famers and executives of major league teams.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• big league
• big time
• majors