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

In theory, astronauts could even 3D-print structures from local ice deposits without the need to haul expensive, bulky cryogenic tools from home. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Dec. 2025

For example, a medium-weight merino wool sock will often feel warmer—and stay warm when damp—than a bulky cotton pair. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025

Nylon also tends to be lighter and less bulky compared to canvas or leather, and styles like the Longchamp and Baggu designs below are also collapsible for ease of packing. —Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025

Your hands will comfortably fit inside the pocket while wearing bulky gloves or holding hand warmers. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 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