big gun

noun

Synonyms of big gunnext
: one having preeminent status or power in a field

Examples of big gun in a Sentence

for a high-profile case like this, the law firm uses only its big guns
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.
However, with each Champions League victory crucial to progressing toward the next round, neither would want to rest their big guns, either. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 After England have raised a glass comes a three-match one-day international series this week when India will welcome back big guns including captain Shubman Gill and legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 12 July 2026 Clinging to a one-run lead and with the top of the order due up, Tracy went to one of his big guns, calling in Whitlock to put out the fire. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 May 2026 The Minnesota Wild’s big guns showed up in a big way Saturday night, and the Avs looked wobbly for the first time in this tournament in a 5-1 loss in Game 3 at Grand Casino Arena. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for big gun

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of big gun was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20gun. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!