bulky

adjective

ˈbəl-kē 

 also  ˈbu̇l-

bulkier; bulkiest

1

a

: having bulk

b(1)

: large of its kind

(2)

: corpulent

2

: having great volume in proportion to weight

a bulky knit sweater

bulkily

ˈbəl-kə-lē 

adverb

bulkiness

ˈbəl-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• big
• biggish
• boxcar
• considerable
• goodly
• grand
• great
• handsome
• hefty
• hulking
• husky
• large
• largish
• outsize
• outsized
• oversize
• oversized
• sizable
• sizeable
• substantial
• tidy
• voluminous

Examples of bulky in a Sentence

a big, bulky football player

bulky packages might cost more to mail

Recent Examples on the Web

The glass is substantial and thick but doesn’t feel heavy or bulky. —Laura Denby, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Existing supplements are typically derived from seed husks and roots, and are typically thick, viscous, and bulky. —Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Layering Is Key Layering is the key to staying warm, but layering smartly is the key to looking chic and not getting too bulky. —Andrea Bossi, Essence, 10 Dec. 2024

Reusable Pizza Storage Container (5-Pack) This triangular container is way easier to squeeze into the fridge than a bulky pizza box. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

bulky

adjective

ˈbəl-kē 

bulkier; bulkiest

1

: large in size or mass

2

: being large and hard to handle

bulkiness noun