bulky

[ buhl-kee ]

adjective

, bulk·i·er, bulk·i·est.

1. of relatively large and cumbersome bulk or size.

   Synonyms: clumsy, unwieldy, ponderous, massive

2. (of a fabric or yarn) thick; lofty.
3. (of a garment) made of thick, resilient fabric or yarn:

   a bulky sweater.

bulky

/ ˈbʌlkɪ /

adjective

1. very large and massive, esp so as to be unwieldy

Derived Forms

• ˈbulkiness, noun
• ˈbulkily, adverb

Other Words From

• bulki·ly adverb
• bulki·ness noun
• over·bulki·ly adverb
• over·bulki·ness noun
• over·bulky adjective
• un·bulky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulky¹

First recorded in 1665–75; bulk ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Invented over 100 years ago, the prototype blankets were bulky and dangerous.

From Popular-Science

So far, efforts to pull information from the brain generally require bulky equipment, she notes.

From Science News For Students

Today, efforts to extract information from the brain generally require bulky equipment, intense computing power and, most importantly, a willing participant, Rommelfanger says.

From Science News

With innovative lightweight wiring, added warmth doesn’t have to be heavy or bulky.

From Popular-Science

These two forms of welding require gloves that are thick enough to withstand the extreme temperatures, and can be bulkier since precision and dexterity isn’t as important.

From Popular-Science

As was the case with the Xerox 914, the first machines Hull built to “print” plastic objects were bulky, huge, and expensive.

From The Daily Beast

West sent his bulky bodyguard Pascal Duvier into the crowd to confirm that the seated fan was, in fact, in a wheelchair.

From The Daily Beast

I parked the stroller at the base of the metal slide and wrestled Julia in her bulky snowsuit out of the belted contraption.

From The Daily Beast

Autographer is Narrative for video but made by Brits, bulky, and expensive.

From The Daily Beast

No bulky helmet to lug around or uncomfortable shell to ruin your hairstyle.

From The Daily Beast

Lawrence mingled with the crowd, and as he read he felt a bulky envelope thrust in his hand and caught a glimpse of a dusky arm.

From Project Gutenberg

And as she said it his eye caught sight of a bulky envelope lying in the sand beside her chair.

From Project Gutenberg

He reached over, with astonishing suddenness in one so bulky, and twirled the secretary about with his ham of a hand.

From Project Gutenberg

At a late hour a small boy named Newcamp delivered a bulky package to Scattergood, and vanished into the darkness.

From Project Gutenberg

From his hiding place Harkness saw the bulky figure of Schwartzmann, who made as if to follow where the other man had gone.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cumbersome
• heavy
• hulking
• ponderous
• unwieldy