Meaning & use
bigwig
Last updated
UK/ˈbɪɡ.wɪɡ/
US/ˈbɪɡ.wɪɡ/
Meaning
nouncountableinformalhumorous
A person with a powerful or important position, especially in a company, government, or organization.
Grammar: Countable: a bigwig, the bigwigs. Slightly mocking in tone.
Patterns
- a corporate bigwig
- the bigwigs in Washington
- meet the bigwigs
The party was full of corporate bigwigs and their assistants.
Some bigwig from headquarters came to inspect the office.
Word forms
| plural | bigwigs |
|---|
Common combinations
- a corporate bigwig
- A corporate bigwig gave the keynote speech at the conference.
- impress the bigwigs
- He wore his best suit to impress the bigwigs.
- the bigwigs upstairs
- The decision will be made by the bigwigs upstairs.
Synonyms and how they differ
- big shot
- Very close in meaning; 'bigwig' is slightly more old-fashioned and mocking.
- VIP
- VIP is neutral and respectful; 'bigwig' is informal and gently teasing.
- executive
- Executive is the formal, neutral word for a senior business person; bigwig is slangy.
Opposites
Word family
- big adjective
- Part of the compound; bigwigs were originally important men in large wigs.
Commonly confused: bigwig or bigot?
bigwig vs bigot
A bigot is a prejudiced person; a bigwig is an important person.
Practice
"The company bigwigs flew in for the annual meeting" means the _____ came.
Choose one answer.
Bigwigs are powerful, senior people in an organization. The tone is informal and slightly mocking.
Make it your own
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