outsize

1 of 2

noun

out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz How to pronounce outsize (audio)
Synonyms of outsizenext
: an unusual size
especially : a size larger than the standard
Nightgowns are generally made in three sizes—small, medium and outsize. Amy K. Smith

outsize

2 of 2

adjective

out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz How to pronounce outsize (audio)
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
2
: 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
He 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

Examples 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The actual Foley workers are, in contrast to the outsize figures in Sylvie’s fiction, consumed with mundane concerns like long commutes, too many projects, and partners with health problems. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 May 2026 Her tenure saw Latvia fully in line with its hawkish Baltic neighbors, who have played an outsize role in adopting a more confrontational stance toward Russia. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026 Fertiglobe’s warning is an example of the Gulf’s outsize role in global commodities. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 14 May 2026 Nabokov’s voice is both inside and far outside the story, looking down on his diorama with outsize field glasses, like Orson Welles as a narrator. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for outsize

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1845, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsize was in 1812

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsize. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

outsize

1 of 2 noun
out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz How to pronounce outsize (audio)
: a size different and especially larger than the standard

outsize

2 of 2 adjective
variants also outsized
: unusually large or heavy
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