big brother

noun

1

: an older brother

2

: a man who serves as a companion, father figure, and role model for a boy

3

Big Brother [Big Brother, personification of the power of the state in 1984 (1949) by George Orwell]

a

: the leader of an authoritarian state or movement

b

: an all-powerful government or organization monitoring and directing people's actions

Examples of big brother in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sailor is a doting big brother to his sister Lula, often posing affectionately in photos with her or twinning in matching outfits on his parents’ Instagrams. —Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 2 July 2024

Well-wishers immediately began commenting on Alex’s pregnancy announcement with nods to George becoming a big brother. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 23 June 2024

So far, big brother Edwin is in the lead with one save. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2024

Clay is a proud and supportive sibling, often praising his big brother’s success on social media and wearing his merch in photos. —Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1