'big band' definitions:

Definition of 'big band'

From: WordNet
noun
A large dance or jazz band usually featuring improvised solos by lead musicians

Definition of 'big band'

From: GCIDE
  • big band \big band\, A band that is the size of an orchestra, usually playing mostly jazz or swing music. The big band typically features both ensemble and solo playing, sometimes has a lead singer, and is often located in a night club where the patrons may dance to its music. The big bands were popular from the late 1920's to the 1940's. Contrasted with combo, which has fewer players. [PJC]

Definition of 'big band'

From: GCIDE
  • Band \Band\ (b[a^]nd), n. [OE. band, bond, Icel. band; akin to G., Sw., & D. band, OHG. bant, Goth. bandi, Skr. bandha a binding, bandh to bind, for bhanda, bhandh, also to E. bend, bind. In sense 7, at least, it is fr. F. bande, from OHG. bant. [root]90. See Bind, v. t., and cf. Bend, Bond, 1st Bandy.]
  • 1. A fillet, strap, or any narrow ligament with which a thing is encircled, or fastened, or by which a number of things are tied, bound together, or confined; a fetter. [1913 Webster]
  • Every one's bands were loosed. --Acts xvi. 26. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Arch.) (a) A continuous tablet, stripe, or series of ornaments, as of carved foliage, of color, or of brickwork, etc. (b) In Gothic architecture, the molding, or suite of moldings, which encircles the pillars and small shafts. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. That which serves as the means of union or connection between persons; a tie. "To join in Hymen's bands." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. A linen collar or ruff worn in the 16th and 17th centuries. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. pl. Two strips of linen hanging from the neck in front as part of a clerical, legal, or academic dress. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. A narrow strip of cloth or other material on any article of dress, to bind, strengthen, ornament, or complete it. "Band and gusset and seam." --Hood. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. A company of persons united in any common design, especially a body of armed men. [1913 Webster]
  • Troops of horsemen with his bands of foot. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 8. A number of musicians who play together upon portable musical instruments, especially those making a loud sound, as certain wind instruments (trumpets, clarinets, etc.), and drums, or cymbals; as, a high school's marching band. [1913 Webster]
  • 9. (Bot.) A space between elevated lines or ribs, as of the fruits of umbelliferous plants. [1913 Webster]
  • 10. (Zool.) A stripe, streak, or other mark transverse to the axis of the body. [1913 Webster]
  • 11. (Mech.) A belt or strap. [1913 Webster]
  • 12. A bond. [Obs.] "Thy oath and band." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 13. Pledge; security. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
  • Band saw, a saw in the form of an endless steel belt, with teeth on one edge, running over wheels.
  • big band, a band that is the size of an orchestra, usually playing mostly jazz or swing music. The big band typically features both ensemble and solo playing, sometimes has a lead singer, and is often located in a night club where the patrons may dance to its music. The big bands were popular from the late 1920's to the 1940's. Contrasted with combo, which has fewer players. [1913 Webster +PJC]