bulky

adjective

ˈbəl-kē How to pronounce bulky (audio)
also ˈbu̇l-
bulkier; bulkiest
Synonyms of bulky
1
a
: having bulk
b(1)
: large of its kind
(2)
: corpulent
2
: having great volume in proportion to weight
a bulky knit sweater
bulkily
ˈbəl-kə-lē How to pronounce bulky (audio)
adverb
bulkiness
ˈbəl-kē-nəs How to pronounce bulky (audio)
noun

Synonyms of bulky

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Examples of bulky in a Sentence

a big, bulky football player bulky packages might cost more to mail
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.
The roofline is flatter, the rear compartment is more accommodating, and loading bulky stuff is easier. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 For the chef who uses dozens upon dozens of deli containers at a time, these might be too expensive and too bulky to justify replacing your deli containers entirely. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 This lets the overall structure sense its exact physical shape without external wiring or bulky mechanical sensors. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Heavy Window Treatments Just like removing bulky furniture can make your home appear more spacious, the same can be said about your window treatments. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bulky

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulky was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bulky

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Browse Nearby Words

bulk up
bulky
bulk yarn
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Cite this Entry

“Bulky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulky. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bulky

adjective
ˈbəl-kē How to pronounce bulky (audio)
bulkier; bulkiest
1
: large in size or mass
2
: being large and hard to handle
bulkiness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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