Definition of size
(Entry 1 of 5)
1a : physical magnitude, extent, or bulk : relative or proportionate dimensions
b : relative aggregate amount or number
c : considerable proportions : bigness
2 : one of a series of graduated measures especially of manufactured articles (as of clothing) conventionally identified by numbers or letters
a size seven hat
3 : character, quality, or status of a person or thing especially with reference to importance, relative merit, or correspondence to needs
Try this idea on for size.
4 : actual state of affairs
That's about the size of it.
6 obsolete : a fixed portion of food or drink
size
verb (1)sized; sizing
Definition of size (Entry 2 of 5)
1 : to make a particular size : bring to proper or suitable size
2 : to arrange, grade, or classify according to size or bulk
: to equal in size or other particular characteristic : compare —usually used with up and often with to or with
size
adjectiveDefinition of size (Entry 3 of 5)
: sized —usually used in combination
size
noun (2)Definition of size (Entry 4 of 5)
: any of various glutinous materials (such as preparations of glue, flour, varnish, or resins) used for filling the pores in surfaces (as of paper, textiles, leather, or plaster) or for applying color or metal leaf (as to book edges or covers)
size
verb (2)sized; sizing
Definition of size (Entry 5 of 5)
: to cover, stiffen, or glaze with or as if with size
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quizWords of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizHow Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quizPlay the game
Share size
Time Traveler for size
The first known use of size was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century