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 Sox acquired Urquidy, who has pitched parts of seven seasons in the big leagues, in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 26 for minor-league right-hander Félix Doroteo. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Milwaukee’s lineup has produced the fewest homers in the big leagues, yet the Brewers remain among the top five teams in scoring. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Though sent back to the minors, his return to the big leagues is anticipated soon. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

That’s where the baseball world learned of his unique celebration after getting strikeouts, and the big leagues have seen it now over his first five appearances for New York. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for the big leagues

• fatigues
• intrigues