big deal

noun

: something of special importance
what's the big deal?
—sometimes used ironically as an interjection

Examples of big deal in a Sentence

The party was a big deal. The cost didn't seem like much to me, but I know it was a big deal for many people.
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.
Rave already was a big deal and, personally, my sights are set on Dirt Dash for Hamster to bring home next. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 19 Aug. 2026 This is a big deal because Q1 comps matched Lowe's for the first time in nearly a year. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 In California, you can get lost in feeling that something is natural or not a big deal. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026 As a resident of the upper Midwest, the northern lights are a really big deal; people travel miles and miles just to see them. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for big deal

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of big deal was in 1915

Rhymes for big deal

See All Rhymes for big deal

Browse Nearby Words

big data
big deal
Big Dick
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20deal. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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