adjective

bulky

/ˈbʌlki/ · say it: BUL·kee

large and awkward to handle

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) taking up a lot of space; large and difficult to carry or store

2. (adjective) thick and heavy in appearance

Examples

1. I need to mail this bulky package, so I'll go to the post office.
2. He wore a bulky winter coat to stay warm in the snow.

How to use bulky

Bulky emphasizes both size and the practical difficulty or inconvenience this creates, particularly for handling or storage. It often has a slightly negative connotation, unlike neutral descriptors like 'large.' It is commonly used for clothing (bulky knits), packages, furniture, and materials.

Common phrases

bulky item
bulky cargo
bulky sweater
bulky fabric
too bulky to carry

Synonyms

cumbersome · unwieldy · large · massive · oversized

Opposites

compact · small · portable

Word family

bulk · bulkiness · bulkily

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'bulky' merely to mean 'large' without the sense of awkwardness or inconvenience; bulky specifically implies something is large in a way that makes it hard to manage.

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