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 figuratively

She'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

Much of the damage may be done before players reach the big leagues. — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026

After years of testing the waters, Christie’s has decided that pop culture is ready for the big leagues. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

In 2006, Verlander’s first full season in the big leagues, 45 pitchers logged 200 or more innings. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Gonsolin gradually pitched his way toward the big leagues as health remained the biggest concern. — Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for the big leagues

• fatigues
• intrigues