bulky

Imagine trying to move a giant armchair through a narrow doorway—that's bulky. Something bulky isn't just big; it's unwieldy and difficult to handle because of its size or shape. A winter coat can be bulky, protecting you from the cold but making your movements feel restricted. Old computers used to be incredibly bulky compared to today's sleek laptops! You might also describe luggage as bulky if it's overstuffed and hard to carry.

Bulky things take up a lot of space and aren't easily moved around. Think about packing for a trip—you want to avoid bringing too many bulky items so you can fit everything in your suitcase. The word often implies that something is unnecessarily large, making it inconvenient for the person handling it.

The word "bulky" describes something that is large and awkwardly shaped, making it difficult to handle, store, or move. It's more than just a measure of size; it's about the combination of significant volume and a lack of streamlined form. Think of a stack of old newspapers tied together with string—they take up a lot of space and are hard to carry neatly. That's bulky!

The term is frequently used literally to describe physical objects like furniture ("a bulky sofa"), clothing ("a bulky knit sweater"), or equipment ("bulky camera gear"). However, it also works well figuratively. You might describe a report or a manuscript as "bulky" if it is filled with unnecessary details and feels "heavy" or tedious to get through.

Historically, "bulky" comes from bulk, the noun meaning large volume or mass. It originally described something with considerable size. Today, while still relating to size, it carries a strong connotation of awkwardness and inconvenience. In modern product design, being "not bulky" is often a primary selling point. So, if you're struggling to maneuver something because of its sheer size and awkward shape, chances are it's decidedly ... bulky!