Adjective a big glass of soda She moved to a bigger city. the biggest city in the state He led a big group through the museum. She works for a big company. He organized a big advertising campaign. We had a big fund-raiser for the school. Adverb He talks big about his plans, but he hasn't done much yet. Noun with that new promotion he's now one of the bigs in the company when a candidate is running for president, he's playing in the bigs and cannot afford to make major mistakes

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The Miami Heat have spent the past two-plus months at Disney World thinking big, with visions of the franchise’s fourth NBA championship. Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "Heat’s Tyler Herro apparently more than just thinking big in NBA playoffs," 14 Sep. 2020

Like not getting the ball effortlessly to Kyren Williams on a screen play that was destined for big yardage. Tom Noie, The Indianapolis Star, "Noie: Notre Dame sputters to opening win and that's OK for this group at this time," 13 Sep. 2020

Louisville’s special teams were a big question mark coming into Saturday, but Turner was fine. Cameron Teague Robinson, The Courier-Journal, "Three things we learned in Louisville's win over Western Kentucky," 13 Sep. 2020

Prince Harry is planning his big return to the United Kingdom, apparently. Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Prince Harry Is Reportedly Planning His First Return to the U.K. After His Royal Exit," 13 Sep. 2020

Lowe completed a pair of big-play passes in the second half to lead the host Mustangs to a 42-14 win over Mortimer Jordan. al, "Malek Lowe sparks Jackson-Olin past Mortimer Jordan 42-14," 12 Sep. 2020

Even as it has been roiled by covid-19, its market capitalisation has risen this year to €78bn, while big competitors have shrunk. The Economist, "Schumpeter How Hermès got away from LVMH—and thrived," 12 Sep. 2020

Despite a lack of big-time talent across the board, in fact, the results were occasionally outstanding. Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, "From a new coach to more weapons for Dak Prescott: A lot has changed for Cowboys since playoff loss to Rams," 11 Sep. 2020

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Against a passing attack like Jacksonville’s, Indianapolis needs Hooker to come up big and get his hands in the passing lanes. Joel A. Erickson, The Indianapolis Star, "Insider: 17 things to watch as Colts open season against lowly Jaguars," 13 Sep. 2020

Lehner came up big on the breakaway, and barely had to the rest of the game. Matthew Defranks, Dallas News, "Coming off a signature win, Stars’ Game 2 loss to Vegas was characteristic in every way," 9 Sep. 2020

Star of the game: Thomas came up big in the Hoover passing game time and time again. al, "Josh Lundy, Hoover hold off fourth-quarter Vestavia Hills rally for 24-21 win," 4 Sep. 2020

On Monday, the big-hitting Japanese baseliner faced compatriot Misaki Doi in the night session. Ravi Ubha And Jill Martin, CNN, "Coco Gauff exits US Open as organizers use 'enhanced protocol plan' after positive Covid test," 1 Sep. 2020

Metcalf came up big in the playoffs, with seven receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown in the Seahawks’ 17-9 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in a Wild Card playoff last season. oregonlive, "Fantasy Football 2020: Seattle Seahawks’ DK Metcalf among 10 breakout candidates at wide receiver," 30 Aug. 2020

Rushing opposite sophomore Nolan Vernon, Predina came up big in vital matchups with Euclid, St. Ignatius and Cleveland Heights. Matt Goul, cleveland, "Defensive end watch list: High school football’s top players in 2020," 19 Aug. 2020

Duggan came up big in the Horned Frogs’ most important victory of the season. Allie Morris, Dallas News, "10 things to know about TCU quarterback Max Duggan: The Horned Frog signal-caller is ready for stardom," 3 July 2020

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Toppin is a screen-and-roll big who has shown the ability to pop out to the 3-point line. Chris Fedor, cleveland, "Is Obi Toppin an option for Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 5 in 2020 NBA Draft? Hey, Chris!," 8 Sep. 2020

Again, for at team whose hope hinges entirely on hitting big on the 2020 and 2021 drafts, this isn’t a good omen. Dave Hyde, sun-sentinel.com, "Hyde10: On Rosen release, Pats’ plans, hope/disappointment of camp - 10 Dolphins thoughts as opener looms," 7 Sep. 2020

But largely because of experience, there hasn’t been this big of a gulf between the No. 1 QB and everyone else since Brady Quinn’s four seasons as starter (2003-06). Eric Hansen, The Indianapolis Star, "Notre Dame football: Irish must develop more players in practice," 19 Aug. 2020

He’ll be occupied enough trying to limit Jokic, the big who can play like one down low … bumping, bumping, bumping … and shoot like an oversized perimeter player up top. Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Gordon Monson: Donovan Mitchell’s words already are echoing through the Jazz-Nuggets playoff series," 14 Aug. 2020

Golf, competition and the ongoing pandemic aside, Lehman believes that Father's Day is a big of a deal for families as Mother's Day is. Jack Williams, azcentral, "Tom Lehman, Kirk Triplett take sons into battle in Father's Day tournament," 20 June 2020

That's the screen-setter who slashes to the rim as the Pacers are late or fail to rotate to help the big who is helping ice the action. J. Michael, The Indianapolis Star, "Pacers were figuring things out before stoppage. Now healed up, they're ready for restart.," 5 June 2020

Commitments that big should never be taken lightly, especially now. Nerd Wallet, oregonlive, "If college is part of your fall 2020 plan, here are 4 options to consider," 1 June 2020

Griffiin has four years left on his contract following this season, giving the Pistons a premier big who can play inside and outside, score, rebound and possibly mesh with center Andre Drummond for a dominant interior. Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, "Blake Griffin trade: Breaking down deal from view of Clippers, Pistons," 29 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'big.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.