outsize

1 of 2

noun

out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz How to pronounce outsize (audio)
Synonyms of outsizenext
: an unusual size
especially : a size larger than the standard
Nightgowns are generally made in three sizes—small, medium and outsize. Amy K. Smith

outsize

2 of 2

adjective

out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz How to pronounce outsize (audio)
variants or less commonly outsized
1
: unusually large or heavy
Physically he is outsize, standing six feet three and weighing 225 pounds …Neil M. Clark
2
: exaggerated or extravagant in size or degree
… they loved Mayweather for his outsize persona and the reminder it carries of the sport's past glories.Carlo Rotella
He was wearing a huge fur hat, a purple jacket with outsize shoulders, and two pairs of spectacles, in tiers, emphasizing the narrow length of his face.Anthony Haden-Guest

Examples of outsize in a Sentence

Adjective an outsize cat who weighs 25 pounds she likes to make dramatic appearances wearing her trademark outsize sunglasses
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Over time, those outperformers can grow into outsize positions that dominate your portfolio. Doug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 That said, both have a notable phallic verticality (or insecurity) about them and both are attracting their share of detractors for their outsize impact on the existing waterfront (or waterfrontish) landscapes. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 But spending’s outsize role could turn into a dangerously lopsided dependence. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026 Sicily Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, with an outsize atmosphere to match. Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outsize

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1845, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsize was in 1812

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsize. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

outsize

1 of 2 noun
out·​size ˈau̇t-ˌsīz How to pronounce outsize (audio)
: a size different and especially larger than the standard

outsize

2 of 2 adjective
variants also outsized
: unusually large or heavy
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