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

The Brewers play in Major League Baseball’s smallest market and have a payroll in the bottom half of the sport, but have had the best record in the big leagues each of the past two seasons. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026

The former top prospect rocketed through the minor leagues in 2024, made the Opening Day roster in 2025 and earned American League Rookie of the Month and an eight-year, $60 million extension within his first few weeks in the big leagues. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

His father was an infielder who broke into the big leagues in 1948 after three years of military service during World War II and three years in the minors. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

Two of Bob Boone's three sons followed him into the big leagues. — CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Rhymes for the big leagues

• fatigues
• intrigues