out·size
ˈau̇t-ˌsīz 
: an unusual size
especially
: a size larger than the standard
Nightgowns are generally made in three sizes—small, medium and outsize. —
Amy K. Smith
Amy K. Smith
out·size
ˈau̇t-ˌsīz
variants
or less commonly outsized
1
: unusually large or heavy
Physically he is outsize, standing six feet three and weighing 225 pounds …—Neil M. Clark
Neil M. Clark2
: exaggerated or extravagant in size or degree
… they loved Mayweather for his outsize persona and the reminder it carries of the sport's past glories.—Carlo Rotella
Carlo RotellaHe was wearing a huge fur hat, a purple jacket with outsize shoulders, and two pairs of spectacles, in tiers, emphasizing the narrow length of his face.—Anthony Haden-Guest
Anthony Haden-GuestExamples of outsize in a Sentence
Adjective
an outsize cat who weighs 25 pounds
she likes to make dramatic appearances wearing her trademark outsize sunglasses
Recent Examples on the Web
Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 15 May 2025
The community, perhaps because of its martial and agrarian origins, as well as a fierce sense of autonomy, plays an outsize role in trucking and transport in India and North America alike.
—Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
The company’s largest operation, its TV networks, grappled with downturns in ad sales tied to comparisons with the year-earlier quarter, when a Super Bowl broadcast generated outsize revenue.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 May 2025
Jesse’s behavior was bad, no doubt, but Ciara’s reaction to it seems a little bit outsize.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outsize
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Adjective
Among the loudest voices railing against Means is Laura Loomer, the conspiracy theorist who has achieved an outsize role in some of Trump’s personnel decisions.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 15 May 2025
The community, perhaps because of its martial and agrarian origins, as well as a fierce sense of autonomy, plays an outsize role in trucking and transport in India and North America alike.
—Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
The company’s largest operation, its TV networks, grappled with downturns in ad sales tied to comparisons with the year-earlier quarter, when a Super Bowl broadcast generated outsize revenue.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 May 2025
Jesse’s behavior was bad, no doubt, but Ciara’s reaction to it seems a little bit outsize.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for outsize
Cite this Entry
“Outsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsize. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outsize
1 of 2 noun
out·size
ˈau̇t-ˌsīz
: a size different and especially larger than the standard
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