bulky

American  

[buhl-kee] / ˈbʌl ki /

adjective

bulkier, bulkiest

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 British  

/ ˈbʌlkɪ /

adjective

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

---

Other Word Forms

• bulkily adverb
• bulkiness noun
• overbulkily adverb
• overbulkiness noun
• overbulky adjective
• unbulky adjective

Etymology

Origin of bulky

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

Example Sentences

The previous model was bulky, heavy and notoriously loud.

From Los Angeles Times

Police have released video of a potential suspect, who appears to be a bulky man dressed in black, walking out of the building and onto nearby Hope Street.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Aug. 13, authorities uncovered surveillance footage showing Cabrera dragging a bulky covered object from the Lancaster Boulevard apartment building where he lived with his wife and their children.

From Los Angeles Times

After two decades, the Army decided last year to phase it out—among several bulky systems to go.

From The Wall Street Journal

A figure bundled in a bulky jacket and a black ball cap waved her arms.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cumbersome
• heavy
• hulking
• ponderous
• unwieldy