outsize

1 of 2

noun

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

outsize

2 of 2

adjective

out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz 

variants or less commonly outsized

ˈau̇t-ˌsīzd 

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

Synonyms of outsize

Adjective

• large
• sizable
• considerable
• substantial
• oversize
• big
• huge
• great

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

Adjective

Because babies’ organs and systems are still developing, exposures can also have outsize effects, said Susan Little, the California legislative director for Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy organization sponsoring the diaper bill. —Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Gas prices are also a highly visible cost that has outsize impacts on consumer confidence and political sentiment. —Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026

Content moderation is a position that carries an outsize level of hazard. —William Earl, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026

But the race carries national importance, given California’s outsize place in the global economy, and its general influence in progressive politics. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1845, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outsize

• advise
• applies
• apprise
• arise
• assize
• baptize
• belies
• bitwise
• capsize
• chastise
• chordwise
• clockwise

Kids Definition

outsize

1 of 2 noun

out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz 

: a size different and especially larger than the standard

outsize

2 of 2 adjective

variants also outsized

-ˌsīzd 

: unusually large or heavy