adjective

voluminous

vuh-LOO-mih-nuhs

Voluminous (adjective) means Very large in quantity or extent, especially of writing, records or evidence. Example: “The inquiry produced voluminous documentation.”

adjective

Very large in quantity or extent, especially of writing, records or evidence.

"The inquiry produced voluminous documentation."

"Her voluminous correspondence fills eleven boxes."

Of clothing or fabric: very full and loose, using a great deal of material.

"She swept in wearing a voluminous velvet cloak."

"The dress had voluminous sleeves gathered at the wrist."

Occupying a great deal of space; bulky.

"A voluminous cloud of steam filled the kitchen."

How to use voluminous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishVery big and full, with lots of it.

When to use it

Neutral to literary; frequent in fashion writing and legal reporting.

Memory tip

Stress the second syllable: vuh-LOO-mih-nuhs.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

volume → volatile → valuable →

Common pairings

voluminous skirt voluminous hair voluminous notes voluminous evidence

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The inquiry produced _____ documentation.

Etymology

From late Latin voluminosus, from volumen 'a roll or scroll'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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extensive copious abundant prolific billowing full ample flowing baggy bulky capacious roomy

Antonyms

scant meagre brief fitted skimpy tight

Related words

much long enough full whole large short entire

Rhymes for voluminous

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

See all rhymes for voluminous →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between voluminous and bulky?

Bulky stresses awkward mass and weight — a bulky parcel is hard to carry. Voluminous stresses generous volume and is usually admiring, especially about fabric that falls in soft folds. A voluminous skirt is elegant; a bulky one is not.

Does voluminous relate to the word volume?

Yes. Both come from Latin volumen, a rolled scroll — the source of 'volume' meaning a book as well as 'volume' meaning space occupied. Voluminous inherited both threads, which is why it describes both bulky garments and enormous quantities of writing.

Can hair be voluminous?

Yes, and it is one of the most common uses today. Voluminous hair is thick and full with plenty of body, as opposed to flat or limp hair.

What is the meaning of voluminous?

"voluminous" (adjective) means very large in quantity or extent, especially of writing, records or evidence.

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much long enough full whole large short entire