This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 verb #7,500 most common 14 min read

bulky

Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips bulky in 30 Seconds

Explanation bulky in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'bulky' is a word you might not use often, but it is helpful to understand. It means something is very big and takes up a lot of room. Imagine a very big teddy bear or a large box that is hard to carry. You can think of it as 'big and fat.' For example, if you have a very thick sweater, you can say it is 'bulky.' It is different from just 'big' because it feels like it fills up the space around it. When you are learning English, you can use 'bulky' to describe things that are hard to put in your bag because they are too thick or wide. It is a good word for talking about toys, clothes, and boxes. You might hear a teacher say, 'Don't bring bulky toys to school because there is no room in your locker.' This helps you understand that space is the main idea. Even if you just use the word 'big' for now, knowing 'bulky' will help you understand more specific descriptions later on. Think about a big pillow. It is light, but it is bulky because it takes up the whole bed. That is the simplest way to understand this word.

For A2 learners, 'bulky' is a useful adjective for describing objects that are difficult to manage because of their size. At this level, you should start to distinguish between 'big' and 'bulky.' While 'big' is a general word, 'bulky' specifically describes things that are thick and take up a lot of space. For instance, think about packing a suitcase. A pair of jeans is big, but a thick winter coat is bulky. The coat is harder to pack because it is so thick. In everyday life, you might use this word when talking about shopping or moving house. You could say, 'I can't carry this bulky bag on the bus.' This tells people that the bag is large and awkward. You will also see this word in stores. Some shops have a section for 'bulky goods' like TVs or washing machines. These are items that won't fit in a regular shopping bag. Learning 'bulky' helps you give better descriptions of the things around you. It shows that you understand not just that something is large, but how its size affects how you use it. It's a great word for adding more detail to your basic sentences.

At the B1 level, you can use 'bulky' to describe more complex situations involving space and logistics. You understand that 'bulky' often implies an inconvenience. It is a common word in travel and shipping contexts. For example, if you are booking a flight, you might read about 'bulky luggage' policies. This refers to items like skis or bicycles that are large and difficult to fit into the plane's cargo hold. You can also use 'bulky' to describe clothing in a more nuanced way. Instead of just saying a sweater is 'thick,' saying it is 'bulky' suggests that it might make you look larger or be difficult to wear under a jacket. In your writing, 'bulky' adds a layer of physical description that words like 'large' or 'huge' lack. It specifically points to the volume of the object. You might describe an old computer as 'bulky' to contrast it with a modern, slim tablet. This comparison helps the reader visualize the physical evolution of technology. B1 learners should practice using 'bulky' when discussing storage, transportation, and physical comfort. It is a key word for navigating practical life in an English-speaking environment where space management is often a topic of conversation.

As a B2 learner, you should be comfortable using 'bulky' in both literal and slightly more figurative contexts. You understand that the word often carries a negative connotation of being 'unwieldy' or 'cumbersome.' In a business or technical setting, you might use 'bulky' to describe inefficient designs or processes. For instance, you could talk about a 'bulky manual' that is difficult for employees to read, or a 'bulky piece of machinery' that takes up too much floor space in a factory. At this level, you should also be aware of the word's use in the fitness industry, where 'bulky' describes a specific type of muscular build. You can use it to discuss aesthetic preferences: 'Some people lift weights to get bulky, while others prefer a more lean look.' You should also be able to use the comparative 'bulkier' and superlative 'bulkiest' to make precise comparisons between objects. For example, 'The new model is much less bulky than the previous version, making it more portable.' Using 'bulky' correctly at the B2 level demonstrates a sophisticated grasp of how physical properties like volume and mass are described in English, allowing you to communicate more effectively in professional and social situations.

At the C1 level, your use of 'bulky' should reflect an appreciation for its stylistic and descriptive power. You can use it to create vivid imagery in your writing, perhaps describing the 'bulky shadows' cast by an old building or the 'bulky, outdated bureaucracy' of a large organization. Here, the word moves beyond simple physical volume to suggest something that is heavy, slow-moving, and perhaps an obstacle to progress. You should also be able to distinguish 'bulky' from its close synonyms like 'ponderous,' 'unwieldy,' or 'cumbersome' based on the specific context. For instance, you might choose 'bulky' to describe the physical size of a package, but 'cumbersome' to describe the difficulty of the shipping process itself. In academic or formal writing, you can use 'bulky' to describe large datasets or extensive documentation that requires significant effort to process. 'The researcher had to navigate a bulky set of archives to find the necessary information.' This usage shows that you can apply physical descriptions to abstract concepts of information and labor. Your ability to use 'bulky' in these varied ways indicates a high level of linguistic flexibility and a deep understanding of English nuance.

For C2 learners, 'bulky' is a tool for precision and evocative description. You can use it to explore the relationship between form and function, perhaps in an essay about industrial design or architecture. You might discuss how 'the bulky brutalist structures of the mid-20th century' reflected a specific social philosophy, or how 'the bulky aesthetics of 1980s technology' have become a nostalgic trope in modern media. At this level, you can also use the word with irony or in sophisticated metaphors. You might describe a person's 'bulky ego' as something that takes up too much space in a room and prevents others from contributing. You are also likely to encounter 'bulky' in specialized fields like maritime law or international trade, where 'bulky cargo' has specific legal definitions and implications for insurance and freight costs. Your mastery of 'bulky' at the C2 level means you can move seamlessly between its most basic physical meaning and its most complex metaphorical applications. You use it not just to describe size, but to comment on the nature of presence, the burden of physical existence, and the efficiency of design in all its forms. It is no longer just a word for a big box; it is a word for anything that occupies space in a way that demands attention or effort.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

bulky in 30 Seconds

Bulky describes objects that are large and take up a significant amount of physical space, often making them difficult to handle.
It is primarily used for physical items like furniture, clothing, and packages, but can be used metaphorically for things like data or bureaucracy.
The word implies a sense of inconvenience or awkwardness due to size, distinguishing it from neutral words like 'large' or 'big'.
In the fitness world, it specifically refers to large muscle mass, which can be either a goal or something to avoid.

The word bulky is an adjective used to describe physical objects that possess a large volume relative to their surroundings or their functional necessity. It is not merely about size in a linear sense, such as being tall or long, but rather about the three-dimensional space an object occupies. When something is described as bulky, it implies a sense of awkwardness or inconvenience. It is the type of size that makes a person think twice about how they are going to fit an item into a car trunk or a storage closet. Unlike the word 'large,' which can be positive (a large house) or neutral, 'bulky' often carries a connotation of being cumbersome or difficult to handle because of its shape and mass.

Physical Dimension: Bulky refers to items that take up a significant amount of space, often in a way that feels inefficient or overwhelming.

The winter coat was so bulky that I could barely move my arms while wearing it.

People use this word most frequently in contexts involving logistics, fashion, and physical labor. In logistics, a 'bulky item' might be a sofa or a refrigerator—items that require special handling not just because they are heavy, but because their dimensions make them hard to navigate through doorways or into elevators. In fashion, 'bulky' often describes heavy knitwear or oversized jackets. While 'oversized' might be a stylistic choice, 'bulky' often refers to the practical thickness of the material, which might obscure the wearer's figure or feel heavy to wear throughout the day.

Practical Inconvenience: The term suggests that the object's size is a hurdle to be overcome, requiring extra effort to transport or store.

We had to hire a special van to move the bulky equipment to the new office.

In a modern context, we also see 'bulky' used metaphorically or in technical fields. For instance, in computer science or design, a 'bulky interface' might refer to a software layout that is cluttered with too many buttons or large, unnecessary elements that make the user experience feel slow and 'heavy.' However, the primary usage remains firmly rooted in the physical world. If you are packing for a trip and your suitcase won't close, it is likely because you have packed too many bulky items like sweaters or boots, rather than flat items like t-shirts or documents. The word captures that specific frustration of dealing with three-dimensional mass that refuses to be compressed.

The old computer monitors were bulky and took up the entire surface of the desk.

Spatial Awareness: Using this word indicates an awareness of how much room an object occupies in a specific environment.

Avoid bringing bulky luggage on the bus during rush hour as it blocks the aisle.

Her bulky necklace was the centerpiece of her outfit, drawing everyone's attention.

Ultimately, 'bulky' is about the relationship between an object and the space it inhabits. It is a word of logistics, of packing, of dressing for the cold, and of navigating the physical world. It helps us describe the specific kind of 'big' that gets in the way, that requires two people to carry, or that fills up a room more quickly than we expected. By using 'bulky,' you communicate not just size, but the physical reality of managing that size in everyday life.

Using the word bulky correctly requires an understanding of its role as an adjective that modifies nouns. It is most often placed directly before the noun it describes or after a linking verb like 'is,' 'seems,' or 'appears.' Because it describes a physical quality, it is rarely used for abstract concepts like 'friendship' or 'time.' Instead, it anchors itself to tangible items. When you use 'bulky,' you are often setting the stage for a problem or a specific physical condition that needs to be addressed.

Direct Modification: Placed before the noun to immediately characterize its physical nature.

Please move those bulky boxes to the garage so we have more room in the hallway.

In the sentence above, 'bulky' tells the listener exactly why the boxes are a problem: they are taking up too much space in the hallway. If the speaker had said 'heavy boxes,' the listener might think they were hard to lift. If the speaker had said 'large boxes,' it would be a neutral description. 'Bulky' combines the idea of size with the idea of being in the way. This nuance is crucial for effective communication in English.

Comparative Usage: Comparing two items based on their volume and how much space they consume.

This laptop is much bulkier than the one I had before, but it is also more powerful.

Another common way to use 'bulky' is when describing the human form, specifically in the context of muscle or clothing. In the fitness world, a 'bulky' physique refers to large, prominent muscles. Depending on the person's goals, this might be a positive or a negative description. In clothing, 'bulky' describes layers that add significant thickness to the body's silhouette. This is a very common topic in fashion discussions, where people might look for ways to stay warm without looking 'too bulky.'

The athlete's bulky frame made it difficult for him to find suits that fit properly off the rack.

Predictive Usage: Using the word after a verb to describe the state or appearance of an object.

Even though it is made of lightweight plastic, the container appears bulky and hard to store.

The bulky documentation for the project filled three entire binders.

When writing, you can also use 'bulky' to add sensory detail to a scene. Describing a 'bulky old television' immediately gives the reader a sense of the era and the physical effort required to move it. It creates a more vivid image than simply saying 'an old TV.' By focusing on the 'bulk,' you emphasize the physical presence and the spatial impact of the object. Whether you are writing a technical manual about shipping procedures or a novel about a cramped apartment, 'bulky' is an essential tool for describing the physical world with precision.

You will encounter the word bulky in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the mundane to the professional. One of the most common places is at the post office or when dealing with shipping companies. Couriers often have specific rules for 'bulky items'—those packages that might not be extremely heavy but are large enough to take up significant space in a delivery truck. If you've ever tried to mail a large, light box, you may have been charged a 'bulky item' fee, which is based on volume rather than weight.

Logistics and Shipping: Used to categorize freight that requires more space than standard packages.

The courier service refused to take the bulky package without an additional surcharge.

Another frequent setting is in the world of retail, particularly in furniture and appliance stores. Salespeople might use the word to describe the footprint of a piece of furniture. A 'bulky sofa' might not be suitable for a studio apartment, even if it is very comfortable. Here, the word serves as a practical warning about spatial constraints. Similarly, in the electronics department, you might hear a customer complain that a certain camera or phone is 'too bulky' for their pocket, indicating that the device's thickness or overall size is a drawback for daily use.

Fashion and Lifestyle: Commonly used to describe winter clothing or accessories that add volume to the wearer.

I prefer wearing thin layers rather than one bulky sweater when I go hiking.

In fitness and bodybuilding, 'bulky' is a standard term. You will hear gym-goers talk about 'bulking up'—the process of eating more and lifting heavy weights to gain muscle mass. If someone says they don't want to 'look bulky,' they usually mean they want a lean, toned appearance rather than large, massy muscles. This usage is unique because it can be an intentional goal or an avoided outcome, depending on the individual's aesthetic preferences.

He spent the winter months training hard to achieve a more bulky and powerful physique.

Waste Management: Cities often have 'bulky waste' collection days for items like mattresses and old appliances.

The city council provides a free service for the removal of bulky household items once a year.

The bulky manual that came with the car was mostly filled with safety warnings in different languages.

Finally, you will hear it in everyday conversations about travel and commuting. 'Bulky' is the word of choice when someone is complaining about their fellow passengers' backpacks on a crowded train or the difficulty of fitting a stroller into a small car. It is a word that captures the physical friction of modern life, where space is often at a premium and large objects are a constant source of logistical challenge. From the gym to the post office to the morning commute, 'bulky' is everywhere.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with the word bulky is confusing it with 'heavy.' While many bulky items are also heavy, the two words describe different physical properties. An item is bulky because of its size and volume, whereas an item is heavy because of its weight. For example, a giant bag of feathers is incredibly bulky because it takes up a lot of space, but it is not heavy at all. Conversely, a small gold bar is very heavy but not bulky. Using 'bulky' when you mean 'heavy' can lead to confusion, especially in shipping or moving contexts where the distinction determines cost and method of transport.

Bulky vs. Heavy: Bulky = takes up space. Heavy = weighs a lot. They often overlap but are not synonyms.

Incorrect: This small lead weight is very bulky. (Correct: This small lead weight is very heavy.)

Another mistake involves the part of speech. As noted in the prompt's error, 'bulky' is an adjective, not a verb. You cannot 'bulky' something. The verb form is 'to bulk' or 'to bulk up.' For example, 'He wants to bulk up for the rugby season.' Using 'bulky' as a verb is a grammatical error that will sound very unnatural to native speakers. Always use 'bulky' to describe a noun, and use 'bulk' if you need a verb or a noun (meaning the majority or a large mass).

Misusing for People: Using 'bulky' to describe someone's weight can be offensive. It should be reserved for muscle or clothing.

Be careful: Saying someone looks bulky can be interpreted as calling them large or unattractive.

A third common mistake is using 'bulky' as a synonym for 'large' in all contexts. 'Bulky' specifically implies that the size is an issue or that the object is solid and thick. You wouldn't describe a large, open park as 'bulky.' You wouldn't describe a tall, thin skyscraper as 'bulky.' The word requires a sense of mass and volume. A skyscraper might be 'massive,' but it is usually too elegant or structured to be called 'bulky' unless you are specifically talking about a thick, ugly base of the building.

Incorrect: The city has many bulky parks. (Correct: The city has many large parks.)

Overusing the Word: Don't use 'bulky' for everything that is big. Save it for things that feel thick, unwieldy, or space-consuming.

The bulky clouds hung low in the sky, promising rain. (Better: The heavy, dark clouds...)

The bulky furniture made the small living room feel even more cramped.

Finally, watch out for spelling. It is common to forget the 'k' or to try and spell it like 'bulkey.' The correct spelling is B-U-L-K-Y. Also, remember that when adding suffixes like '-ly' to make it an adverb (bulkily), the 'y' changes to an 'i.' 'He moved the boxes bulkily across the floor.' While 'bulkily' is a valid word, it is much less common than the adjective 'bulky.' By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will use the word more like a native speaker and communicate your ideas about size and space more effectively.

While bulky is a very useful word, English offers several alternatives that can provide more specific nuances depending on what you are trying to describe. Understanding the differences between these synonyms will help you choose the perfect word for your context. For example, if you want to emphasize that something is not just large but also difficult to move because of its shape, you might choose 'unwieldy' or 'cumbersome.' These words carry a stronger sense of the physical struggle involved in handling the object.

Unwieldy: Focuses on the difficulty of moving or controlling an object due to its size or shape. A long ladder is unwieldy even if it isn't heavy.

The unwieldy surfboard was hard to carry against the strong wind.

If the object is large and heavy in a way that feels like a burden, 'cumbersome' is an excellent choice. This word is often used for things that slow you down or make a process more difficult. You can have a 'cumbersome backpack' or even a 'cumbersome legal process.' While 'bulky' is almost always physical, 'cumbersome' can be used for both physical and abstract things. It suggests that the size is a significant obstacle to efficiency or progress.

Massive: Suggests extreme size and weight, often with a sense of awe or power. Use this for mountains, buildings, or huge statues.

The massive stone pillars supported the entire weight of the temple roof.

For clothing and fabrics, you might use 'chunky.' This is a very popular word in fashion, especially for knitwear. A 'chunky sweater' is a positive, cozy description of something thick and warm. It lacks the negative 'in the way' connotation that 'bulky' sometimes has. If you are selling a sweater, you would call it 'chunky' to make it sound stylish and comfortable. If you are complaining about how it won't fit in your drawer, you would call it 'bulky.'

She wore a chunky knit scarf to protect herself from the biting winter cold.

Substantial: A more formal word that suggests something is large, solid, and has real value or importance.

The report provided substantial evidence to support the claims of environmental damage.

The hefty price tag on the car was a deterrent for many potential buyers.

Finally, 'hefty' is a great word for something that is both large and heavy. It is often used for things like books, tools, or even amounts of money. A 'hefty book' is one that is thick and feels solid in your hand. By learning these alternatives, you can move beyond the simple 'big' or 'bulky' and start describing the world with the nuance and color of a truly proficient English speaker. Whether you want to sound more professional, more descriptive, or more stylish, choosing the right synonym is the key.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The transition from 'ship's cargo' to 'large size' happened because cargo was the most common example of a large, massy object in the Middle Ages.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbʌl.ki/

US /ˈbʌl.ki/

The stress is on the first syllable: BUL-ky.

Rhymes With

sulky hulky skulky mulky spunky (near rhyme) funky (near rhyme) monkey (near rhyme) clunky (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'bool-ky' (with an 'oo' sound).
Adding an extra syllable like 'bulk-ee-y'.
Confusing it with 'buck-ly'.
Softening the 'k' sound too much.
Dropping the 'l' entirely, making it sound like 'bucky'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in descriptive text and instructions.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding the nuance between size and weight.

Speaking 3/5

Used frequently in daily logistical conversations.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its distinct phonetic structure.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

large heavy space size thick

Learn Next

cumbersome unwieldy compact volume mass

Advanced

prodigious elephantine gargantuan ponderous monolithic

Grammar to Know

Adjective Order

A large, bulky, brown box. (Size, then specific physical quality).

Comparative Forms

This sofa is bulkier than the old one.

Adverb Formation

The machine was bulkily constructed.

Noun Formation

The bulkiness of the package was a problem.

Using 'Too' for Excess

The jacket is too bulky to fit in the drawer.

Examples by Level

The big box is very bulky.

La grande boîte est très encombrante.

Simple adjective use after 'is'.

I have a bulky sweater for winter.

J'ai un gros pull pour l'hiver.

Adjective modifying a noun.

This toy is too bulky for my bag.

Ce jouet est trop encombrant pour mon sac.

Use of 'too' with 'bulky'.

The pillow is soft but bulky.

L'oreiller est doux mais volumineux.

Contrast using 'but'.

Don't bring bulky things to class.

N'apporte pas de choses encombrantes en classe.

Imperative sentence.

The cat likes the bulky cushion.

Le chat aime le gros coussin.

Adjective before a noun.

Is your suitcase bulky?

Est-ce que ta valise est encombrante ?

Question form.

The bulky book is on the table.

Le gros livre est sur la table.

Definite article with adjective.

It is hard to carry bulky items on the bus.

Il est difficile de transporter des objets encombrants dans le bus.

Gerund phrase as subject.

This winter coat feels very bulky.

Ce manteau d'hiver semble très volumineux.

Linking verb 'feels'.

We need a bigger car for these bulky boxes.

Nous avons besoin d'une plus grande voiture pour ces boîtes encombrantes.

Adjective phrase.

The new computer is less bulky than the old one.

Le nouvel ordinateur est moins encombrant que l'ancien.

Comparative 'less bulky than'.

She doesn't like bulky jewelry.

Elle n'aime pas les bijoux imposants.

Negative preference.

The bulky package arrived this morning.

Le colis volumineux est arrivé ce matin.

Subject-verb agreement.

The furniture is too bulky for this small room.

Les meubles sont trop encombrants pour cette petite pièce.

Prepositional phrase for context.

He bought a bulky sleeping bag for camping.

Il a acheté un sac de couchage volumineux pour le camping.

Adjective modifying a compound noun.

Airlines often charge extra for bulky luggage.

Les compagnies aériennes facturent souvent un supplément pour les bagages encombrants.

Adverb 'often' with present simple.

The bulky equipment was difficult to move upstairs.

L'équipement volumineux était difficile à monter à l'étage.

Passive-like structure with 'difficult to'.

I prefer a slim phone over a bulky one.

Je préfère un téléphone fin à un téléphone encombrant.

Preference using 'over'.

The bulky files took up all the space on my desk.

Les dossiers volumineux prenaient toute la place sur mon bureau.

Phrasal verb 'took up'.

Wearing too many layers can make you look bulky.

Porter trop de couches peut vous donner un aspect massif.

Causative 'make you look'.

The shop specializes in bulky household goods.

Le magasin est spécialisé dans les articles ménagers encombrants.

Verb 'specializes in'.

Is there a way to make this package less bulky?

Y a-t-il un moyen de rendre ce colis moins volumineux ?

Infinitive phrase of purpose.

The bulky old monitors were replaced by flat screens.

Les vieux moniteurs encombrants ont été remplacés par des écrans plats.

Passive voice.

Despite being lightweight, the insulation material is quite bulky.

Bien qu'étant léger, le matériau isolant est assez volumineux.

Concessive clause with 'Despite'.

The athlete worked hard to develop a bulky, muscular physique.

L'athlète a travaillé dur pour développer un physique massif et musclé.

Adjective series.

The sheer bulkiness of the sofa made it impossible to fit through the door.

L'aspect massif du canapé a rendu impossible son passage par la porte.

Noun form 'bulkiness'.

We had to arrange for a special collection of bulky waste.

Nous avons dû organiser une collecte spéciale pour les déchets encombrants.

Compound noun 'bulky waste'.

The bulky documentation for the project was overwhelming for the new team.

La documentation volumineuse du projet était accablante pour la nouvelle équipe.

Adjective modifying an abstract noun.

He found the bulky winter gear hindered his movement during the climb.

Il a trouvé que l'équipement d'hiver volumineux entravait ses mouvements pendant l'ascension.

Clausal object with 'found'.

The design was criticized for being too bulky and lacking elegance.

Le design a été critiqué pour être trop massif et manquer d'élégance.

Passive voice with criticism.

You should avoid packing bulky items if you want to travel light.

Vous devriez éviter d'emporter des objets encombrants si vous voulez voyager léger.

Conditional 'if' clause.

The bulky apparatus required precise calibration before it could be used.

L'appareil volumineux nécessitait un étalonnage précis avant de pouvoir être utilisé.

Formal vocabulary 'apparatus'.

Navigating the bulky legal code proved to be a significant challenge for the students.

Naviguer dans le code juridique volumineux s'est avéré être un défi important pour les étudiants.

Metaphorical use for information.

The architect struggled to integrate the bulky ventilation shafts into the sleek design.

L'architecte a eu du mal à intégrer les conduits de ventilation volumineux dans le design épuré.

Infinitive of struggle.

The company’s bulky organizational structure hindered its ability to innovate.

La structure organisationnelle lourde de l'entreprise entravait sa capacité à innover.

Metaphorical use for business.

The bulky shadows of the skyscrapers stretched across the park as the sun set.

Les ombres massives des gratte-ciel s'étendaient sur le parc au coucher du soleil.

Personification/Imagery.

Such bulky datasets require specialized software for efficient processing.

Des ensembles de données aussi volumineux nécessitent des logiciels spécialisés pour un traitement efficace.

Use of 'Such' for emphasis.

The sheer bulk of the manuscript was enough to intimidate any editor.

La simple masse du manuscrit suffisait à intimider n'importe quel éditeur.

Noun 'bulk' used for emphasis.

He moved bulkily through the narrow corridor, bumping into the walls.

Il se déplaçait avec lourdeur dans le couloir étroit, heurtant les murs.

Adverb 'bulkily'.

The treaty was criticized for its bulky and convoluted language, which invited multiple interpretations.

Le traité a été critiqué pour son langage lourd et alambiqué, qui invitait à de multiples interprétations.

Adjective paired with 'convoluted'.

The bulky form of the freighter loomed out of the fog, silent and imposing.

La silhouette massive du cargo a surgi du brouillard, silencieuse et imposante.

Literary description.

In an era of miniaturization, the bulky hardware of the past seems almost quaint.

À une époque de miniaturisation, le matériel encombrant du passé semble presque désuet.

Prepositional phrase of time.

The protagonist felt the bulky weight of expectation pressing down on him.

Le protagoniste sentait le poids massif des attentes peser sur lui.

Abstract metaphorical use.

The council struggled to dispose of the bulky legacy left by the previous administration.

Le conseil a eu du mal à se débarrasser de l'héritage encombrant laissé par l'administration précédente.

Metaphorical 'legacy'.

The bulky topography of the region made road construction prohibitively expensive.

La topographie accidentée de la région a rendu la construction de routes d'un coût prohibitif.

Scientific/Geographical context.

Her bulky, unrefined prose lacked the subtlety required for such a delicate subject.

Sa prose lourde et non raffinée manquait de la subtilité requise pour un sujet aussi délicat.

Literary criticism.

The bulky infrastructure of the old city was ill-equipped to handle modern traffic flows.

L'infrastructure lourde de la vieille ville était mal équipée pour gérer les flux de circulation modernes.

Urban planning context.

Synonyms

cumbersome unwieldy oversized voluminous massive hefty

Antonyms

compact slim lightweight

Common Collocations

bulky item

bulky sweater

bulky package

bulky equipment

bulky furniture

bulky frame

bulky waste

bulky knit

bulky muscles

bulky documentation

Common Phrases

too bulky

— Describes something that is excessively large for its purpose.

This laptop is too bulky for my small backpack.

look bulky

— To have a large or thick appearance, often due to clothes.

Does this jacket make me look bulky?

feel bulky

— To have the sensation of being large and awkward.

The new safety gear feels bulky and restrictive.

bulky goods

— A commercial category for large products.

The delivery fee for bulky goods is higher.

avoid bulky

— A common piece of advice for packing or design.

Avoid bulky items to save space in your luggage.

bulky and heavy

— A common pairing to describe large, difficult objects.

The crate was both bulky and heavy.

bulky silhouette

— The overall shape of something large.

The building had a bulky silhouette against the sky.

bulky appearance

— How something large looks to the eye.

The car's bulky appearance suggested it was very safe.

bulky layers

— Multiple thick items worn or placed together.

Bulky layers of clothing are necessary in the Arctic.

bulky and awkward

— Describes the difficulty of handling a large item.

The ladder was bulky and awkward to carry through the house.

Often Confused With

bulky vs heavy

Heavy refers to weight; bulky refers to volume. A bag of air can be bulky but not heavy.

bulky vs large

Large is a general term; bulky implies the size is awkward or takes up a lot of space.

bulky vs thick

Thick usually refers to one dimension; bulky refers to the overall 3D volume.

Idioms & Expressions

"bulk up"

— To increase in size or muscle mass through exercise and diet.

He needs to bulk up if he wants to play in the professional league.

informal

"in bulk"

— In large quantities, often at a lower price per unit.

It is much cheaper to buy toilet paper in bulk.

neutral

"the bulk of"

— The majority or largest part of something.

The bulk of the work has already been completed.

neutral

"bulk large"

— To seem very important or to dominate one's thoughts.

The upcoming exams bulk large in the students' minds.

literary

"break bulk"

— To start unloading a ship's cargo.

The ship docked at dawn and began to break bulk.

technical

"bulk out"

— To make something thicker or larger by adding material.

You can bulk out the soup by adding more vegetables.

informal

"bulk buy"

— The act of purchasing large amounts at once.

We did a bulk buy of office supplies to save money.

neutral

"bulk shipment"

— A large quantity of goods sent together.

The bulk shipment of grain arrived at the port.

business

"bulk density"

— The mass of a material divided by its total volume.

The scientist measured the bulk density of the soil sample.

scientific

"bulk mail"

— Large quantities of mail sent at a reduced rate.

The company uses bulk mail for its advertising brochures.

business

Easily Confused

bulky vs Bulk

It is the noun/verb form of bulky.

Bulk is the mass or the action; bulky is the description.

The bulk of the package made it bulky.

bulky vs Hulking

Sounds similar and also means large.

Hulking implies something is menacingly large and heavy, like a giant.

A hulking figure stood in the shadows.

bulky vs Chunky

Both describe thickness.

Chunky is often positive and used for food or fashion; bulky is often negative/logistical.

I like chunky soup, but I don't like bulky bags.

bulky vs Burly

Sounds similar and describes size.

Burly is only used for people, meaning strong and heavily built.

A burly man helped us move the couch.

bulky vs Stocky

Describes a similar shape.

Stocky describes a person who is short and heavily built.

He has a stocky build, perfect for wrestling.

Sentence Patterns

It is a bulky [noun].

It is a bulky box.

The [noun] is too bulky for [place].

The bed is too bulky for the room.

I find [noun] to be quite bulky.

I find this laptop to be quite bulky.

Despite being [adjective], it is bulky.

Despite being light, the foam is bulky.

The bulky nature of [noun] makes it [adjective].

The bulky nature of the data makes it hard to process.

Rarely have I seen such a bulky [noun].

Rarely have I seen such a bulky legal document.

It's much bulkier than I expected.

The bulkiest item in the room is [noun].

The bulkiest item in the room is the piano.

Word Family

Nouns

bulk

bulkiness

Verbs

bulk

bulk up

Adjectives

bulky

bulker

bulking

bulked

unbulky

overbulk

How to Use It

frequency

High in logistics, fashion, and daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'bulky' as a verb. → Using 'bulk' or 'bulk up'.
Bulky is an adjective. You can't 'bulky' a package; you can 'bulk it out'.
Confusing 'bulky' with 'heavy'. → Using 'bulky' for size and 'heavy' for weight.
A large bag of popcorn is bulky but not heavy.
Spelling it 'bulkey'. → Bulky.
The word follows the standard 'y' ending for adjectives derived from nouns.
Describing a large open space as 'bulky'. → Describing it as 'vast' or 'large'.
Bulky requires a solid object with volume, not an empty space.
Using 'bulky' for a tall, thin person. → Using 'lanky' or 'tall'.
Bulky implies width and mass, not just height.

Tips

Shipping Tip

When shipping, always check if your item is 'bulky'. Even if it's light, the size might cost you more.

Style Tip

Balance a bulky sweater with slim-fit pants to avoid looking overwhelmed by your clothes.

Synonym Tip

Use 'unwieldy' if the object is hard to carry because it keeps tipping over or is too long.

Interior Design

Avoid bulky furniture in small rooms to keep the space feeling open and airy.

Gym Tip

If you want to 'bulk up', focus on compound movements and a calorie surplus.

Spelling Tip

Remember there is no 'e' in bulky. It's B-U-L-K-Y, not B-U-L-K-E-Y.

Creative Writing

Describe an old machine as 'bulky' to instantly tell the reader it is outdated and heavy.

Packing Tip

Use vacuum bags to make bulky items like blankets more compact for travel.

Concept Tip

Think of volume. If it fills a box but weighs nothing, it's bulky.

Politeness Tip

Don't describe a person's outfit as bulky unless you are sure they want to look that way!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'BULK' of 'KEY's. A single key is small, but a huge 'bulky' ring of keys takes up your whole pocket!

Visual Association

Imagine a person trying to fit a giant, fluffy teddy bear into a tiny mailbox. The bear is the definition of bulky.

Word Web

size volume awkward cumbersome furniture clothing shipping space

Challenge

Look around your room right now. Can you find three items that are 'bulky' and three items that are 'compact'? Describe them to a friend.

Word Origin

The word 'bulky' comes from the noun 'bulk,' which entered English in the late 14th century from Old Norse 'bulki,' meaning 'a ship's cargo' or 'a heap.'

Original meaning: Originally, it referred specifically to the volume of a ship's hold or the pile of goods stored within it.

Germanic (Old Norse origin, adopted into Middle English).

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'bulky' to describe a person's body unless you are specifically talking about muscle in a fitness context, as it can be seen as a polite way of calling someone overweight.

In the US and UK, 'bulky waste' is a formal term used by local governments for trash collection services.

The 'bulky' knit sweaters worn by the characters in the movie 'Knives Out'. The bulky 'Brick' cell phones used in 1980s Wall Street movies. The bulky space suits in '2001: A Space Odyssey'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Moving House

bulky furniture
heavy and bulky
hire a van for bulky items
bulky boxes

Winter Fashion

bulky sweater
bulky coat
look bulky in layers
bulky knit

Shipping/Mail

bulky item surcharge
bulky package
non-standard bulky goods
bulky delivery

Fitness

bulk up
bulky muscles
bulky physique
avoid looking bulky

Technology

bulky hardware
bulky laptop
bulky design
less bulky model

Conversation Starters

"Do you prefer wearing bulky winter coats or layering several thin shirts?"

"What is the most bulky thing you have ever tried to move by yourself?"

"Have you ever had to pay an extra fee for a bulky item at the airport?"

"Do you think modern technology is getting too small, or was the bulky tech of the past better?"

"How do you organize bulky items like blankets and pillows in your home?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you tried to fit something bulky into a small space. What happened?

Write about the 'bulky' parts of your life—the habits or objects that take up too much space.

If you had to move to a tiny apartment, which bulky items would you get rid of first?

Reflect on a piece of bulky technology you used to own. How does it compare to what you use now?

Imagine a world where everything is bulky. How would daily life change?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but usually only in the context of muscle mass. Calling someone bulky because of their weight can be considered offensive. It is better to use words like 'muscular' for athletes.

Bulky refers primarily to size and volume. Cumbersome implies that the size or weight makes something a burden or difficult to use. A bulky box is big; a cumbersome process is slow and annoying.

Not always, but it often is. In fashion, a 'bulky sweater' can be cozy, but in shipping, a 'bulky item' usually means more work or higher costs.

It is used for logistics (bulky goods) or metaphorically for inefficient structures (a bulky management layer).

Yes, you can describe a 'bulky file' or 'bulky code' if it takes up too much memory or is poorly organized.

It is a technical term for large trash items like old sofas, mattresses, and fridges that don't fit in standard bins.

No, 'bulky' is an adjective. The adverb form is 'bulkily,' though it is rarely used.

Common opposites include 'compact,' 'slim,' 'sleek,' and 'thin.'

It refers to a specific weight of yarn that is very thick and produces large stitches.

No, 'bulky' is almost exclusively used for physical objects and their spatial volume.