Definition of 'bigwig'

Word Frequency

bigwig

(bɪgwɪg )

Word forms: plural bigwigs

countable noun

If you refer to an important person as a bigwig, you are being rather disrespectful about them.

[informal, disapproval]

Synonyms: important person, somebody, celebrity, heavyweight [informal] More Synonyms of bigwig

Word Frequency

bigwig in British

(ˈbɪɡˌwɪɡ )

noun

informal

an important person

Word Frequency

bigwig in American

(ˈbɪgˌwɪg ; bigˈwigˌ)

noun

Informal

an important, influential person

Word origin of 'bigwig'

from the large wigs once worn by judges and others of distinction

Example sentences containing 'bigwig'

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She was only there for four days but managed to do some serious networking with industry bigwigs. The Sun (2011)Nor has she any intention of cutting out the calories for industry bigwigs. The Sun (2010)Meanwhile party bigwigs have urged the leadership to ditch the pledge as the money would be better spent elsewhere. The Sun (2015)She hoped A-list stars and industry bigwigs would add their names. The Sun (2009)It comes as industry insiders say festival bigwigs have struggled to pull in the big American acts of previous years. The Sun (2015)In fact the model is now hoping movie bigwigs will bankroll the picture and turn her into a credible film-maker. The Sun (2014)There are thousands of film festivals around the world, many as welcoming to the casual visitor as they are to movie industry bigwigs. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The four-part series kicks off with a look at entertainment industry bigwigs conning us and is crammed with helpful ways to avoid getting fleeced. The Sun (2013)The camera always pans round, showing the party 's bigwigs singing. Times, Sunday Times (2011)The property sector may be in meltdown, but the bigwigs in the industry have obviously decided that this is no reason to spoil a good party. Times, Sunday Times (2008)A messy divorce, custody battle and continuing concerns about her mental condition left industry bigwigs worried about the future of her career. The Sun (2008)