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 of bulky

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

Examples of bulky in a Sentence

a big, bulky football player

bulky packages might cost more to mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Predicting the cyclical nature of style, Douzmanian is already predicting the return of the bulky steel sports watch in the era of the small, gold, and design-forward dress watch. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026

At almost 50% off, this is your moment to get your hands on immersive, theater-quality audio without the bulky footprint. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026

Since Hoka models tend to be on the more bulky side, wear these on the plane to save precious suitcase space. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

Place the extra layers on a bench at the foot of the bed, inside an open storage bench, or in an armoire or another cabinet that is deep and wide enough to hold bulky bedding. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026

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