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

Voth didn’t reach the big leagues with Chicago but has logged brief stints at the highest level for the Blue Jays and Twins. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Yesavage, after tearing through college and rapidly ascending the minor leagues last year, still wasn’t entirely sure if his release point would play in the big leagues. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 20 July 2026

My grandfather was a card-carrying member of one of the big leagues. — Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 18 July 2026

Christiansen said his teenage daughter, Ava, asked him over the weekend what the odds are for a player drafted in the 11 to 20th round to reach the big leagues. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Rhymes for the big leagues

• fatigues
• intrigues