big time


noun

Informal. the highest or most important level in any profession or occupation: She's a talented violinist, but she's not ready for the big time.
Slang. a very good time.
Theater. (in vaudeville) any highly successful circuit of theaters that produces two performances daily.

Origin of big time

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

OTHER WORDS FROM big time

big-time, adjective big-tim·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for big time

British Dictionary definitions for big time

big time

noun

informal
  1. the big time the highest or most profitable level of an occupation or profession, esp the entertainment business
  2. (as modifier)a big-time comedian

Derived forms of big time

big-timer, noun

Idioms and Phrases with big time

big time

1

An enjoyable or exciting time, as in The children came home exhausted but happy; they really had a big time at the circus. [Mid-1800s]

2

The highest or most important level in any enterprise, as in I knew that when I made it through the last audition, I was finally in the big time. [Colloquial; c. 1900] Also see big league.