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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The couple's newest addition joins big brother Hudson, whom LeCroy shares with ex-husband Josh Hughes. Kayla Grant, People.com, 14 July 2025 Marsh became a mentor and a big brother figure: tough, but wise and full of grace. John Blake, CNN Money, 13 July 2025 The show will also airing Big Brother: Unlocked every other Friday beginning July 25, airing from 8 to 9 p.m. ET. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 And Clyde, settling into the big brother role, drops multiple toys at Marshall's feet—a chew toy and a pillow—both of which are almost as big as the puppy himself. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for big brother

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of big brother was in 1809

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big brother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20brother. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on big brother

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!