hefty

adjective

ˈhef-tē 

heftier; heftiest

1

: quite heavy

a hefty book

2

a

: marked by bigness, bulk, and usually strength

a hefty football player

b

: powerful, mighty

gave the door a hefty shove

c

: impressively large : substantial

hefty portions

a hefty price

heftily

ˈhef-tə-lē 

adverb

heftiness

ˈhef-tē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of hefty

• massive
• heavy

Examples of hefty in a Sentence

He was a tall, hefty man.

Her boss gave her a hefty raise.

a hefty dose of irony

He gave the door a hefty kick.

Recent Examples on the Web

Wendy's was looking to sell consumers on the fact its quarter-pound Single was meatier than the McDonald's Big Mac and Burger King's Whopper, the heftiest sandwiches sold at the time. —Bob Vitale, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Now, a 15-minute drive and hefty vibe shift from the original hotel, a second property welcomes guests on the island of Sentosa. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Three Los Angeles school district unions won major victories with deals that bring hefty raises and prompted celebratory messages about a new chapter in local education progress. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Housing markets, hefty transportation costs, and higher cost of goods and services consistently affect Hong Kong, Singapore, and Zurich. —Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hefty

• carries a hefty price tag
• hefty price tag

Rhymes for hefty

• lefty

Kids Definition

hefty

adjective

ˈhef-tē 

heftier; heftiest

: heavy entry 1 sense 1a, bulky

heftily

-tə-lē 

adverb

heftiness

-tē-nəs 

noun