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

Further, most float escorts are required to wear spats over their shoes, so bulky footwear wouldn't fit beneath them. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

The down filling will keep your body nice and warm even on the chilliest of days, without being too bulky to wear comfortably. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

With four mesh compartments and two zippered pockets, it’s designed to hold both small and bulky items securely. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025

Finally, the rinse and spin cycle can be used as a corrective when a load, usually containing something heavy or bulky like towels or bedding, doesn’t drain properly, leaving it soaking and sodden. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 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