bulk

7 synonyms and 4 antonyms for bulk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — The overall size, volume, or mass of something, especially when large.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

mass size majority volume quantity

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

greater part bulge

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

The overall size, volume, or mass of something, especially when large.

“The bulk of the old wardrobe made it hard to carry upstairs.”

mass size majority volume quantity greater part

Opposites

particle atom smidgen

2. noun

The main or largest part of something.

“The bulk of her savings went towards a deposit on a flat.”

Opposites

minority

3. verb

To deliberately gain muscle and body weight through diet and training.

“She is bulking this winter by eating more and lifting heavier weights.”

bulge

How to use bulk

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

the bulk of buy in bulk bulk up

Etymology

From Old Norse búlki, "the cargo of a ship," related to a Germanic root meaning "heap" or "pile."

Full origin of bulk →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bulk” mean?

The word “bulk” means the overall size, volume, or mass of something, especially when large. In plain terms, the overall size or mass of something, the main part of something, or goods in large unpackaged quantities.

How do you pronounce “bulk”?

“Bulk” is pronounced buhlk (/bʌlk/ in IPA).

How do you use “bulk” in a sentence?

Here is “bulk” used in a sentence: “The sheer bulk of the cargo ship dwarfed the harbour.”

What part of speech is “bulk”?

Depending on how it is used, “bulk” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “bulk” come from?

The word “bulk” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse búlki, "the cargo of a ship," related to a Germanic root meaning "heap" or "pile.".

Is “bulk” a common word?

“Bulk” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “bulk” have?

“Bulk” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the overall size, volume, or mass of something, especially when large.

What is the difference between bulk and volume?

Bulk refers to the overall size, mass, or heaviness of something, especially when large and unwieldy. Volume is the precise measurable space an object occupies. Bulk stresses the impression of largeness, while volume is a measurable quantity.

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size majority mass volume minority quantity particle atom bulge smidgen

Nearby words

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