noun
Uncommon
hulk
huhlk
Hulk (noun) means a large, bulky ship, especially an old one that is no longer seaworthy. Example: “The rusting hulk sat abandoned in the harbor for decades.”
noun
1
A large, bulky ship, especially an old one that is no longer seaworthy.
"The rusting hulk sat abandoned in the harbor for decades."
"Old naval hulks were sometimes used as floating prisons."
"The children climbed over the old hulk that had been left to rot on the mudflats."
2
A large, heavily built person or thing with an imposing presence.
"A hulk of a man blocked the doorway."
"The abandoned factory was a rusting hulk on the edge of town."
verb
1
To loom or move in a large, clumsy way.
"He hulked over the crowd, a head taller than everyone else."
"The bodyguard hulked behind his client at every event."
"A shape hulked in the dark corner of the barn, and we stopped walking."
How to use hulk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big, bulky object or person — or an old, wrecked ship. Also used as a verb for looming large.
Common mistake
In casual speech, 'the Hulk' (capitalized) usually refers to the Marvel superhero, not the general word.
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Word forms
- Plural
- hulks
- Third person singular
- hulks
- Past tense
- hulked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The rusting _____ sat abandoned in the harbor for decades.
Etymology
From Old English hulc, referring to a clumsy or heavy ship, itself possibly borrowed from Greek by way of Latin.
Related words
Rhymes for hulk
See all rhymes for hulk →Frequently asked questions
What does “hulk” mean?
The word “hulk” means a large, bulky ship, especially an old one that is no longer seaworthy. In plain terms, a big, bulky object or person — or an old, wrecked ship. Also used as a verb for looming large.
How do you pronounce “hulk”?
“Hulk” is pronounced huhlk (/hʌlk/ in IPA).
How do you use “hulk” in a sentence?
Here is “hulk” used in a sentence: “The rusting hulk sat abandoned in the harbor for decades.”
What part of speech is “hulk”?
Depending on how it is used, “hulk” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “hulk” come from?
The word “hulk” comes from Latin. From Old English hulc, referring to a clumsy or heavy ship, itself possibly borrowed from Greek by way of Latin.
Is “hulk” a common word?
“Hulk” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “hulk” have?
“Hulk” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, bulky ship, especially an old one that is no longer seaworthy.
What is the difference between a "hulk" and a regular ship?
A "hulk" specifically refers to a large, bulky ship that is often old and no longer seaworthy, whereas a regular ship is presumed functional and actively sailed. The term "hulk" carries a connotation of decay or retirement from active service.
Can "hulk" describe a person as well as a ship?
Yes. "Hulk" can describe a large, heavily built person or thing with an imposing physical presence, separate from its nautical meaning. This usage often appears in descriptions of someone notably big or bulky.
What does it mean to "hulk" somewhere as a verb?
As a verb, "to hulk" means to loom or move in a large, clumsy way, emphasizing bulk and awkwardness of motion. It's typically used to describe how a big person or object shifts through a space rather than a precise or graceful action.
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