First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1bulk
noun \ˈbəlk also ˈbu̇lk\
the bulk : most of something : the largest part of something
: the large size of someone or something
Full Definition of BULK
1
2
a : body; especially : a large or corpulent human body b : an organized structure especially when viewed primarily as a mass of material c : a ponderous shapeless mass
3
: the main or greater part
— in bulk
1
: not divided into parts or packaged in separate units
2
: in large quantities
See bulk defined for English-language learners
See bulk defined for kids
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Origin of BULK
Middle English, heap, bulk, from Old Norse bulki cargo
Related to BULK
- Synonyms
- majority, generality, lion's share, mass, preponderance
- Antonyms
- minority
Synonym Discussion of BULK
bulk, mass, volume mean the aggregate that forms a body or unit. bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous <the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers>. mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind <a mass of boulders>. volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating <a tremendous volume of water>.
2bulk
verb
Definition of BULK
transitive verb
1
: to cause to swell or bulge : stuff
2
: to gather into a mass or aggregate
intransitive verb
2
: to appear as a factor : loom <a consideration that bulks large in everyone's thinking>
See bulk defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BULK
1540
3bulk
adjective
: of or relating to things that are sent or sold in large amounts
Full Definition of BULK
1
: being in bulk <bulk cement>
2
: of or relating to materials in bulk
See bulk defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BULK
1693
BULK Defined for Kids
bulk
noun \ˈbəlk\
Definition of BULK for Kids
1
: greatness of size or volume <The chair is hard to move because of its bulk.>
2
: the largest or chief part <I've already finished the bulk of my homework.>
— in bulk
: in large amounts <The restaurant buys rice in bulk.>
Medical Dictionary
bulk
noun \ˈbəlk\
Medical Definition of BULK
: material (as indigestible fibrous residues of food) that forms a mass in the intestine; especially : fiber 2
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