bulky

adjective

ˈbəl-kē 

also ˈbu̇l-

bulkier; bulkiest

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 

adverb

bulkiness

ˈbəl-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of bulky

• large
• sizable
• substantial
• oversize
• considerable
• big
• handsome
• huge

Examples of bulky in a Sentence

a big, bulky football player

bulky packages might cost more to mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Those bulky glass instruments break easily and need high electrical voltage to run. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

The category has expanded well beyond the bulky shoulder wraps that used to dominate. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

The bulky trade, which starts making money if the S&P 500 drops more than 18%, was about four times bigger than the next-biggest trade, a net $11 million call spread, SpotGamma data show. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

LeBron James‘ signature Nike line has long come in heavier and bulkier than other basketball shoes while prioritizing stability, but his newest model is bringing a new focus on shedding weight. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for bulky

• sulky

Kids Definition

bulky

adjective

ˈbəl-kē 

bulkier; bulkiest

1

: large in size or mass

2

: being large and hard to handle

bulkiness noun