big brother

noun

1

: an older brother

2

: a man who serves as a companion, father figure, and role model for a boy

3

Big Brother [Big Brother, personification of the power of the state in 1984 (1949) by George Orwell]

a

: the leader of an authoritarian state or movement

b

: an all-powerful government or organization monitoring and directing people's actions

Examples of big brother in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And while the rivalry’s first few matchups (and decades) featured the Lightning as big brother kicking sand in the face of their younger sibling, the Panthers have now emerged as the powerhouse. —Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

In September 2024, Brando appeared to have taken up motocross alongside his big brother, walking next to him in blue and red gear and a pair of gloves. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

The 14-year vet took on the role of Dick’s big brother. —Jared Weiss, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

Tranquill is getting an assist in his fundraising efforts from his big brother. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for big brother

• another
• godmother
• grandmother
• stepbrother
• stepmother
• mother
• nother
• other
• smother
• souther