bigwig

noun

big·​wig ˈbig-ˌwig How to pronounce bigwig (audio)
: an important person

Examples of bigwig in a Sentence

a bigwig in local politics interviewed by several bigwigs on the hospital's staff
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Yet even if a midlevel commander, military bigwig, or senior leader is killed, deputies wait in the wings and fighters can continue attacks. Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024 The bigwig’s beliefs and way of life present a stark contrast to those of his scrimping and saving father, who is heavily dependent on the kindness of family, friends and strangers. Alissa Simon, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024 Politicians -- both former and current -- and party bigwigs, with their handlers in tow, sought to defend their candidate’s positions and talk up their prospects before what is likely to be the last debate before Election Day. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 There were video testimonials for tech bigwigs, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who gave the device high marks. Zev Fima, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bigwig 

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bigwig was in 1703

Dictionary Entries Near bigwig

Cite this Entry

“Bigwig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bigwig. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bigwig

noun
big·​wig ˈbig-ˌwig How to pronounce bigwig (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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