bulky

1 of 2

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

bulkiness

2 of 2

noun

bulk·​i·​ness ˈbəl-kē-nəs also ˈbu̇l- 

plural -es

: the quality or state of having bulk or being bulky

Synonyms of bulky

Adjective

• large
• sizable
• substantial
• oversize
• considerable
• big
• handsome
• huge

Examples of bulky in a Sentence

Adjective

a big, bulky football player

bulky packages might cost more to mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Stretch fabrics have sleek constructions without the bulky appearance of conventional stretch denim, and mechanical stretch fabrics offer big, open twills and rigid character. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

For good air flow when drying heavy, bulky towels, Ceconi recommends using wool dryer balls. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026

Once frozen, the thin packages stack neatly, taking up less space than bulky containers. — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Another challenge facing the industry is the need for bulkier vessels to transport sustainable ammonia fuel. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Rhymes for bulky

• sulky

Kids Definition

bulky

adjective

ˈbəl-kē 

bulkier; bulkiest

1

: large in size or mass

2

: being large and hard to handle

bulkiness noun