big band

noun

: a band that is larger than a combo and that usually features a mixture of ensemble playing and solo improvisation typical of jazz or swing

Examples of big band in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The production, in addition to Groff, will feature a cast of 16 and a live on-stage big band. Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2024 The play, which features a live, on-stage big band and a cast of 16, is based on an original concept by Ted Chapin. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024 The superstar releases music under the name Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, which is fitting, since much of his output is reminiscent of the big band era. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 The group will be playing some traditional big band pieces and more modern tunes with vocals, Nehemiah said. Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for big band 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'big band.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of big band was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near big band

Cite this Entry

“Big band.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20band. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!