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
Domínguez may not stay in the big leagues long, as Anthony Volpe could be back from shoulder surgery somewhat soon.
—
Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
For a Reds team that has been searching for offense outside the middle of the order, Bleday carrying his hot start at Triple A to the big leagues could help stabilize a lineup that is showing signs of turning around.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
That’s not easy in the big leagues.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Since being called up on April 15, Antonacci, a 23-year-old left fielder, is making a case to stay in the big leagues for a while.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the big leagues
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Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
For a Reds team that has been searching for offense outside the middle of the order, Bleday carrying his hot start at Triple A to the big leagues could help stabilize a lineup that is showing signs of turning around.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
That’s not easy in the big leagues.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Since being called up on April 15, Antonacci, a 23-year-old left fielder, is making a case to stay in the big leagues for a while.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
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 2 May. 2026.
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