Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Large and heavy; taking up much space: Describes something that has a large size and often considerable weight, making it difficult to move or handle.
   • Unwieldy due to size: Suggests an object is awkward or inconvenient because of its large dimensions.

Usage

The adjective "bulky" is used to describe physical objects, items, or sometimes people, emphasizing their substantial size and often implying they are cumbersome or occupy a lot of space. It is typically used in a neutral or slightly negative context to highlight inconvenience.

Examples

• Describing objects:
  • The new television was too bulky to fit in the car's trunk.
  • She avoided buying bulky winter coats because her closet was small.
• Describing items or materials:
  • The package was light but bulky, making it awkward to carry.
  • Bulky sweaters are warm but can be uncomfortable under a jacket.

Advanced Usage

• "bulky item": A common phrase used in logistics, shipping, or retail to denote an object that is large and hard to store or transport.
  • The store charges an extra fee for shipping bulky items like furniture.
• In a figurative sense, it can describe abstract things that are "large" in a non-physical way, though this is less common.
  • The report contained a lot of bulky data that was hard to analyze quickly.

Variants and Related Words

• Bulk (noun): The mass, size, or volume of something, especially when large.
  • The bulk of the shipment consisted of grain.
• Bulkiness (noun): The quality of being bulky.
  • The main disadvantage of the device is its bulkiness.

Synonyms

• Cumbersome: Difficult to handle or use because of size or weight.
• Unwieldy: Hard to move or manage because of shape, size, or weight.
• Hefty: Large and heavy (often implying weight more than awkward size).

Antonyms

• Compact: Closely and neatly packed together; taking up little space.
• Sleek: Smooth and streamlined; not bulky.
• Portable: Easy to carry or move.

Adjective

1. of large size for its weight