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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.

See Examples For:

GM recorded declines in hulking SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

The hulking, three-story gray concrete structure is the width of a city block, with entrances on Tobias Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

Euphemistically known as “mobile lounges,” these hulking, 40-ton machines from the 1960s and ’70s look and feel like paramilitary vehicles trundling through a desert dystopia.

From Slate ● Aug. 18, 2026

Before his goal, the hulking Madjo had earlier planted a free header over from three yards and shot wide, but was a constant nuisance for 11-time Ligue 1 winner and Brazilian centre-back and captain Marquinhos.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

The shadow of the castle grew across the city like a hulking beast.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

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