outsize

1 of 2

noun

out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz 

: an unusual size

especially : a size larger than the standard

Nightgowns are generally made in three sizes—small, medium and outsize.

—Amy K. Smith

outsize

2 of 2

adjective

out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz 

variants or less commonly outsized

ˈau̇t-ˌsīzd 

1

: unusually large or heavy

Physically he is outsize, standing six feet three and weighing 225 pounds …

—Neil M. Clark

2

: exaggerated or extravagant in size or degree

… they loved Mayweather for his outsize persona and the reminder it carries of the sport's past glories.

—Carlo Rotella

He was wearing a huge fur hat, a purple jacket with outsize shoulders, and two pairs of spectacles, in tiers, emphasizing the narrow length of his face.

—Anthony Haden-Guest

Synonyms

Adjective

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

Examples of outsize in a Sentence

Adjective

an outsize cat who weighs 25 pounds

she likes to make dramatic appearances wearing her trademark outsize sunglasses

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Mothers, who spend more time than fathers on caregiving and household responsibilities such as scheduling these shoots, may feel outsize pressure to project a perfect image: According to a 2016 study commissioned by Instagram, the average mom checks the app six times a day. —Erin Sagen, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024

Politics' outsize role reveals a new page in the playbook of politicizing investigations and prosecutions. —Matt Viser The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 1 Dec. 2024

Watch on Amazon The Boys Superheroes are meant to represent hope and optimism—the best of us, given outsize form. —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

More broadly, the Federal Trade Commission and other regulators are examining the outsize role of Big Tech firms in AI investment and innovation. —Jenn Brice, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1845, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

outsize

1 of 2 noun

out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz 

: a size different and especially larger than the standard

outsize

2 of 2 adjective

variants also outsized

-ˌsīzd 

: unusually large or heavy