hefty

1 of 2

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

heftiness

2 of 2

noun

heft·​i·​ness -tēnə̇s 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being hefty

Synonyms of hefty

Adjective

• massive
• heavy

Examples of hefty in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Exports of high-tech products such as electric vehicles, computer chips and other electronic equipment have risen sharply, helped by hefty government support since China’s leaders have made development of advanced technologies a top priority. — ABC News, 14 July 2026

These cards offer a range of airline-specific perks and may offer a hefty intro bonus as well. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 13 July 2026

Food hubs can bundle produce from those small operators to create heftier packages of supplies. — Lizzie Kane july 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026

The sweeping set of regulations from Brussels requires tech platforms to protect internet users under threat of hefty fines. — Kelvin Chan, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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