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

Canada is slapping hefty counter-tariffs on farm machinery, such as combine parts, mowing equipment and livestock trailers. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Specialists in laundering money charge hefty transaction fees as a cost of doing business for criminals. — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

Soon enough, Martin had a hefty following and was signed to a manager and an agent. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Tiny anticipates a hefty return on its investment, valuing the platform at around $300 million. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 Sep. 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