bulky

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

Synonyms

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

Examples of bulky in a Sentence

a big, bulky football player

bulky packages might cost more to mail

Recent Examples on the Web

If a lightweight vacuum is at the top of your wishlist, this model delivers without feeling bulky or heavy. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

From bulky cuties to thick teddies, brown bears from Brooks River in Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska spent all summer chomping down on salmon to compete in this year's annual Fat Bear Week. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

The clean lines give a more streamlined look than traditional, bulky office chairs. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025

The dress is made from a fine-gauge knit that offers warmth without feeling bulky, which is essential for fluctuating weather. —Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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