big bang theory

noun

Definition of big bang theory

: a theory in astronomy: the universe originated billions of years ago in a rapid expansion from a single point of nearly infinite energy density — compare steady state theory

Examples of big bang theory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The old big bang theory as developed by Georges Lemaître, [George] Gamow and others is based on Einstein's theory of general relativity. Alexander Hellemans, Scientific American, "A Conversation with Thomas Hertog, One of Stephen Hawking’s Final Collaborators," 24 May 2018 If the big bang theory is an explanation on how the universe was created, then what existed before the big bang occurred? Dan Vergano, Cincinnati.com, "Stephen Hawking, legendary physicist, dies at 76, family says," 14 Mar. 2018 The title came from our whole thing, which is like the big bang theory. Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle, "Big Boi on rapping, tap dancing and 'The Last Jedi'," 24 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'big bang theory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of big bang theory

1955, in the meaning defined above

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