major-league
UK: ˈmeɪdʒə liːɡ | US: ˈmeɪdʒər liːɡ
adj. relating to the highest level of professional sports, especially baseball
adj. (figurative) of significant importance or high quality
n. (baseball) the top tier of professional teams in the U.S.
The term originated in 19th-century American baseball, combining "major" (from Latin maior, meaning "greater") with "league" (from Latin ligare, "to bind"). Initially denoting the top-tier professional baseball association, it evolved metaphorically to describe anything of premier status. The hyphenated form preserves the original sports context while allowing figurative use.
He dreamed of playing major-league baseball since childhood.
The company secured a major-league investor last year.
Only major-league teams compete in the World Series.
Her promotion put her in a major-league position.
This project requires major-league funding to succeed.