the property possessed by a large mass
"The sheer bulk of the boulder made it impossible for anyone to move without machinery."
Size, specifically, volume.
"The shipping container was filled to the absolute bulk with loose gravel."
In plain English: Bulk refers to the large total amount of something, especially when it is measured by weight or volume rather than individual pieces.
"The bulk of the luggage was too heavy to carry up the stairs."
Usage: Use bulk as a noun to describe the large total quantity or mass of something rather than its precise dimensions. It often refers to the main body of goods or people when considered as a whole group.
To appear or seem to be, as to bulk or extent.
"The new skyscraper will soon bulk in the skyline, making it impossible to miss from the highway."
In plain English: To bulk means to gain weight by eating more food and exercising to build muscle mass.
"The company decided to bulk up their inventory before the holiday season."
Usage: Use the verb bulk only when describing something that appears large or significant in size, importance, or effect, often within a specific context like "it bulks in my mind." Do not use it for general growth, increase, or accumulation of mass, which are covered by words like grow, expand, or accumulate.
being large in size, mass or volume (of goods, etc.)
"The shipping company charged a lower rate because we ordered the furniture in such bulk that it filled half the container."
In plain English: Bulk means something that is very large and heavy, often taking up a lot of space.
"The bulk of the class passed the exam."
Usage: Use "bulk" to describe items that are large in quantity or volume rather than their physical dimensions. It often appears in phrases like "in bulk" to indicate purchasing or storing goods in large amounts for efficiency.
The word "bulk" entered English from Old Norse búlki, originally meaning the freight or cargo of a ship. This sense evolved to describe any large heap or mass, while also merging with an existing term for belly in Middle English.