plural sizes
1
a
: the total amount of physical space that a person or thing occupies : how large or small someone or something is
The size of the box is 12 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 5 inches tall.
The bug was about the size of a dime.
The twins are the same size. [=height]
The tomatoes haven't quite reached their full size.
The house is a good size.
pieces of wood in all shapes and sizes
televisions in large and small sizes
The cars are similar in size.
b
: the total number of people or things in a group
I was impressed by the size of the audience.
The size of the population keeps increasing.
There is a big difference in size between 50 people and a hundred!
c
: the very large size of something
It's hard to imagine the canyon's size until you see it in person.
You should have seen the size of the shark they caught!
2
: a specific size
The lumber can be cut to size. [=cut to the specific size you need]
3
: one of a series of standard measurements in which clothing, shoes, etc., are made
What is your shoe size?
The dress is a size 12.
Do you have this dress in a larger size?
She's a size six. [=the clothes that fit her are size six]
Try this shoe on for size. [=try this shoe on to see if it is the correct size]
sizes; sized; sizing
1
: to make (something) a particular size
The jeweler sized the ring (up/down) to fit her finger.
2
: to arrange or classify (things) in different groups according to size
—usually used as (be) sized
Men's pants are sized in inches.
: having a specified size
—used in combination
medium-size cars
a decent-size house
sizes; sized; sizing
: to cover (something, such as paper) with a sticky substance (called sizing) in order to make it stiff or smooth or to attach something else to it
Cite this Entry
“Size.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/size. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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