bulk

¹bulk

noun \ˈbəlk also ˈbu̇lk\

Definition of BULK

1

a : spatial dimension : magnitude

b : material that forms a mass in the intestine; especially : fiber 1d

2

a : body; especially : a large or corpulent human body

b : an organized structure especially when viewed primarily as a mass of material

c : a ponderous shapeless mass

3

: the main or greater part

— in bulk

1

: not divided into parts or packaged in separate units

2

: in large quantities

Examples of BULK

1. We spent the bulk of the summer at the beach.
2. Farming makes up the bulk of the country's economy.
3. The great bulk of these people are extremely poor.
4. Despite his bulk, he's a very fast runner.

Origin of BULK

Middle English, heap, bulk, from Old Norse bulki cargo

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to BULK

Synonyms

majority, generality, lion's share, mass, preponderance

Antonyms

minority

Related Words

plurality; maximum, most; abundance, heap, loads, lot, much, oodles, plenty, profusion, reams, scads, wealth

Near Antonyms

couple, few, handful, smattering, sprinkling; least, minimum

Synonym Discussion of BULK

bulk, mass, volume mean the aggregate that forms a body or unit. bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous <the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers>. mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind <a mass of boulders>. volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating <a tremendous volume of water>.

²bulk

verb

Definition of BULK

transitive verb

1

: to cause to swell or bulge : stuff

2

: to gather into a mass or aggregate

intransitive verb

1

: swell, expand

2

: to appear as a factor : loom <a consideration that bulks large in everyone's thinking>

First Known Use of BULK

1540

Rhymes with BULK

hulk, skulk, sulk, yolk

³bulk

adjective

Definition of BULK

1

: being in bulk <bulk cement>

2

: of or relating to materials in bulk

Examples of BULK

1. They sent bulk shipments of food to the country.

First Known Use of BULK

1693

bulk

noun \ˈbəlk\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of BULK

: material (as indigestible fibrous residues of food) that forms a mass in the intestine; especially : fiber 2