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

Since the start of the Russian invasion four years ago, Musk has played an outsize role in determining the course of the war. —Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2026

Morgan Stanley notes that the services and cyclical industries that have recently seen outsize underperformance owing to disruption fears make up only about 13% of the S&P 500’s market cap. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026

Like Kennedy, Means has gained popularity in wellness circles because of her messages about outsize corporate influence in the food and pharmaceutical industries. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026

So, wealthy outside donors and super PACs can have an outsize influence on the outcome. —Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 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