bulky

adjective

ˈbəl-kē How to pronounce bulky (audio)
 also  ˈbu̇l-
bulkier; bulkiest
Synonyms of bulkynext
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 How to pronounce bulky (audio)
adverb
bulkiness
ˈbəl-kē-nəs How to pronounce bulky (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of bulky in a Sentence

a big, bulky football player bulky packages might cost more to mail
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sew panels of shirts and sweatshirts together to create a larger pad, or simply fold a bulky sweatshirt in half. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2025 Unlike bulky smartglasses from other brands, Halo feels natural on your face, weighing just over 40 grams. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025 This hooded Levi’s water-resistant jacket is another great option that will keep you dry without adding an overly bulky top layer. — Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025 Aesthetically, the two varieties are traditional, bulky grip handles that attach to either side of the handhold and the flap-out style that connect on only one side. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulky

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulky was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bulky

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Browse Nearby Words

bulk up
bulky
bulk yarn
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Cite this Entry

“Bulky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulky. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bulky

adjective
ˈbəl-kē How to pronounce bulky (audio)
bulkier; bulkiest
1
: large in size or mass
2
: being large and hard to handle
bulkiness noun

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Nglish: Translation of bulky for Spanish Speakers

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