I. ˈbig adjective
( big·ger ; big·gest )
Etymology: Middle English, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect bugge important man
Date: 14th century
1.
a. obsolete : of great strength
b. : of great force
a big storm
2.
a. : large or great in dimensions, bulk, or extent
a big house
also : large or great in quantity, number, or amount
a big fleet
b. : operating on a large scale
big government
c. : capital 1
3.
a. : pregnant ; especially : nearly ready to give birth
b. : full to bursting : swelling
big with rage
c. of the voice : full and resonant
4.
a. : chief , preeminent
the big issue of the campaign
b. : outstandingly worthy or able
a truly big man
c. : of great importance or significance
the big moment
d. : imposing , pretentious ; also : marked by or given to boasting
big talk
e. : magnanimous , generous
was big about it
5. : popular
soft drinks are very big in Mexico — Russ Leadabrand
6. : full-bodied and flavorful — used of wine
• big·ly adverb
• big·ness noun
•
- big on
II. adverb
Date: 1807
1. : in a loud or declamatory manner ; also : in a boasting manner
talk big
2.
a. : to a large amount or extent
won big
lost big
b. : on a large scale
think big
worry big
3. : hard
hits her forehand big
III. noun
Date: 1965
: an individual or organization of outstanding importance or power ; especially : major league — usually used in plural
playing in the big s