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, nounWords nearby big time
Example sentences from the Web for big time
British Dictionary definitions for big time
big time
noun
informal
- the big time the highest or most profitable level of an occupation or profession, esp the entertainment business
- (as modifier)a big-time comedian
Derived forms of big time
big-timer, nounIdioms and Phrases with big time
big time
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]
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.