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

Throughout the series, Daniel learns to work through his emotions, share with his friends, be a good big brother, and try new things. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 19 Feb. 2025

In an Instagram post shared on Feb. 12, baby Princess Ines appears with all of her big brothers — Prince Alexander, 8, Prince Gabriel, 7, and Prince Julian, 3 — sweetly holding her. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025

Kupp took Nacua under his wing and served as a mentor and 'big brother' for the young receiver. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

Patrick Mahomes earned his second Super Bowl MVP, and Travis Kelce secured eternal bragging rights over his big brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1