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

The South China Morning Post stated that this molecule uses its rigid, bulky structure to physically shield the iron core from chemical attack, while its strong negative charge creates a force field that repels leaking particles. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026

There’s no bulky frame or pull-out hardware—just unbox, unfold, and relax. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026

Speaking of traveling light, there’s nothing more cumbersome than a bulky phone charger and adapter. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026

The latest is the surprise outside the building, against the grain even inside the building for a defensive coordinator who prefers long, bulky defensive ends. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 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