the big leagues
plural noun
US
: the two highest U.S. baseball leagues (the American League and the National League)
He always dreamed of playing in the big leagues.
—often used figurativelyShe's moving up to the big leagues in the television industry.
She's in the big leagues now, working for a major law firm in a large city.
Examples of the big leagues in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Their development took place in pitching labs, on college fields, and in postseason competition, making the jump to the big leagues easier.
—
Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Curt Hogg has more on the adjustment that has helped Frelick add a new dimension to his game in his second full season and third year overall in the big leagues.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
Many gave him credit for making it to the big leagues.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
If that goes well, his return to the big leagues could be imminent.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the big leagues
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Curt Hogg has more on the adjustment that has helped Frelick add a new dimension to his game in his second full season and third year overall in the big leagues.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
Many gave him credit for making it to the big leagues.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
If that goes well, his return to the big leagues could be imminent.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the big leagues
Cite this Entry
“The big leagues.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20big%20leagues. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share