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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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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>.