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

Speaking on a recent episode of the podcast, the former Miss Kansas USA and marathon runner dispelled misconceptions around women's fitness — specifically the belief that lifting heavy weights leads to a bulky physique. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Pieces that are too large for the space, like oversized sectionals and bulky dining sets, can overwhelm a small backyard and disrupt its flow. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 15 Aug. 2026

Spacious bags can often be rather bulky and hard to carry around, but this one isn’t. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

Energy density optimization for scalability The architecture also removes the need for bulky cooling plates, air ducts, and wide safety gaps between individual modules. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 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