What does bulky mean?
'Bulky' is an adjective describing things that are large in volume, often heavy, and awkward to move, carry, store, or wear. A bulky package may exceed standard shipping dimensions, a bulky sweater is thick and shapeless, and a bulky piece of furniture resists being squeezed through doorways. The word frequently implies inconvenience rather than mere size: something big but graceful is rarely called bulky, whereas something modest-sized but clumsy to handle often is. When applied to people, it suggests a broad, heavily built physique, sometimes neutrally and sometimes with a hint of criticism. Derived from the noun 'bulk', which entered Middle English from Old Norse, it pairs naturally with words like 'package', 'items', and 'equipment'. Its antonyms include 'compact' and 'slender', and close synonyms are 'cumbersome' and 'unwieldy'. It remains a staple of everyday description in both British and American English.
adjectiveLarge, heavy, and unwieldy; taking up considerable space and difficult to move or handle.
- (of an object or person) large in volume and awkward to carry, store, or wear because of its size or weight.
"The movers groaned as they manoeuvred the bulky wardrobe down the narrow staircase."
"She struggled to fit the bulky armchair through the doorway."
"He swapped his slim laptop bag for a bulky rucksack stuffed with camping gear."
The word 'bulk' sailed into English from Old Norse — Vikings were literally describing ship cargo when they gave us the root of 'bulky'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bulky
Bulky derives from the noun 'bulk', which entered Middle English in the medieval period from Old Norse 'bulki', meaning cargo or heap, carried by Scandinavian settlers and traders. The adjective formed simply by adding the common suffix '-y', first appearing in English texts around the late sixteenth century. Its Germanic roots connect it to other Norse-influenced vocabulary, and the derived noun 'bulkhead' preserves the same seafaring lineage.
Related word forms
How bulky is actually used
Commonly used of physical objects, packages, clothing, and body builds. Often carries a mildly negative connotation of inconvenience — something bulky is typically harder to transport or store than something compact. Applied to people, it usually refers to a large, heavily built frame and can be neutral or slightly unflattering depending on context.
Easily confused with bulky
'Balky' means stubbornly refusing to proceed or comply, while 'bulky' describes something physically large and awkward to handle.