bigwig

noun

big·​wig ˈbig-ˌwig How to pronounce bigwig (audio)
: an important person

Examples of bigwig in a Sentence

a bigwig in local politics interviewed by several bigwigs on the hospital's staff
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Metro Sports Committee members even made a point to hand-deliver the city’s bid, individually, to each NCAA bigwig. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025 The group represents some of the biggest companies in finance, real estate and management, with an executive committee that includes Wall Street bigwigs like Jamie Dimon, Blair Effron, Jane Fraser, Henry Kravis, Larry Fink and David Solomon. Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 The largest is the Ratliff family, North Carolina blue bloods led by Timothy (Jason Isaacs), a business bigwig with no interest in any of the resort’s spiritual healing exercises. Noel Murray, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025 Here’s a look at the rock stars, politicians and business bigwigs who are neighbors of the 45th—and 47th—president. Chase Peterson-Withorn, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bigwig

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bigwig was in 1703

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Cite this Entry

“Bigwig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bigwig. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bigwig

noun
big·​wig ˈbig-ˌwig How to pronounce bigwig (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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