Phrase guide

big boy

noun · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see big, boy.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A large object or person.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I've been dying to get behind the wheel of this big boy.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A male child who is considered mature enough for some purpose.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • You're a big boy now, and big boys go to school.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

An adult male, considered to be sufficiently mature and independent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • Coordinate term: big girl
  • He is a big boy and can take care of himself.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

noun

Meaning 5

One who is in a dominant position, such as in business, elite sport, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: plural-normally

Examples

  • He started a small manufacturing plant, but he couldn't compete with the big boys.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: iso poika — An independent adult male
  • French: grand garçon — An independent adult male
  • Polish: duży chłopiec — An independent adult male