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Synonyms

hulking

American  
[huhl-king] / ˈhʌl kɪŋ /

adjective

  1. heavy and clumsy; bulky.

    Synonyms:
    ponderous, cumbersome, massive
hulking British  
/ ˈhʌlkɪŋ /

adjective

  1. Also: hulky.  big and ungainly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of hulking

First recorded in 1690–1700; hulk + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After hundreds of generations of human breeding, the dogs that emerged had shorter muzzles, smaller teeth and an enormous range of sizes, from lapdogs to hulking guardians.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

If you’re not in the mood for a hulking sirloin — and if just creamed spinach and a frosted martini feel like insufficient ballast — skip the burger.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

Soccer’s global powers, worth billions upon billions, come equipped with hulking stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and superstars imported from all over the globe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

But his stunning 50/22 gave France field position to stretch Italy before Dupont teed up hulking lock Meafou with only wingers Lynagh and Monty Ioane blocking his way to the line.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Now the Fair Gwen is calling up my Gram, probably to report a great hulking beast that lives in the cellar, and I close up inside, waiting for the worst.

From "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.