big name

noun
1.
a person who has a preeminent public reputation in a specified field:
He's a big name in education.
Origin
1930-35, Americanism

big-name

[big-neym] /ˈbɪgˌneɪm/
adjective
1.
having a widespread public reputation as a leader in a specified field; famous:
a big-name doctor; a big-name actress.
2.
of, pertaining to, or composed of a big-name person or persons.
Origin
1925-30, Americanism
British Dictionary definitions for big name

big name

noun
1.
(informal)
  1. a famous person
  2. (as modifier): a big-name performer
Slang definitions & phrases for big name

big name

modifier

: a big-name star/ They get a big-name fee

noun phrase
  1. A celebrated person, personality, or entity, esp a star entertainer: Hollywood figures only the big names are bankable
  2. A prominent reputation; fame: The group has a big name in the Boston area (1920s+)