bulky

adjective

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

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.
Wash the koozies in a load with other lightweight items, and avoid washing them with heavy, bulky, or embellished items that have zippers, snaps, or other features that can snag and ding the koozie. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025 Developers also stepped the fourth floor back so the building wouldn’t appear too bulky. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 5 June 2025 The book’s middle section is bulky with their dramas, which Choi approaches like a documentarian. Hamilton Cain, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 The comforter is warm without being too bulky or too hot. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 30 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulky. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

bulky

adjective
bulkier; bulkiest
1
: large in size or mass
2
: being large and hard to handle
bulkiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bulky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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