bulk
Refers to goods or materials that are handled, sold, or transported in large quantities, often without individual packaging. It is a key term in commerce and logistics describing a scale of operation meant to optimize costs through volume.
Examples
3 of 5Buying bulk grains at the local co-op is much cheaper than buying pre-packaged bags.
Buying large quantities of grains is cheaper than small bags.
The warehouse is equipped to handle the bulk storage of petroleum products.
The warehouse can store large amounts of oil products.
I usually just grab bulk candy from the bins when I'm at the theater.
I buy large amounts of loose candy at the movies.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bulk' store like Costco where everything is 'B' for Big, and you 'Buy' in 'Bulk' to save 'Bucks.'
Quick Quiz
The logistics manager placed a ____ order for raw materials to ensure production wouldn't stop.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bulk
Examples
Buying bulk grains at the local co-op is much cheaper than buying pre-packaged bags.
everydayBuying large quantities of grains is cheaper than small bags.
The warehouse is equipped to handle the bulk storage of petroleum products.
formalThe warehouse can store large amounts of oil products.
I usually just grab bulk candy from the bins when I'm at the theater.
informalI buy large amounts of loose candy at the movies.
Researchers investigated the bulk properties of the metallic alloy under extreme pressure.
academicScientists studied the overall mass characteristics of the metal.
Our company has secured a bulk discount with the paper supplier to reduce overhead.
businessOur business got a discount for buying a large quantity of paper.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in bulk
in large quantities
the bulk of
the majority of something
bulk up
to increase in size or muscle mass
Often Confused With
'Bulk' as an adjective refers to the quantity or method of sale, whereas 'bulky' describes an object that is physically large and difficult to handle.
Usage Notes
When used as an adjective, it is almost always placed immediately before the noun it modifies (e.g., bulk purchase). It is frequently used in business and scientific contexts to differentiate between individual units and the total mass.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the adjective 'bulky' when they mean 'bulk.' For example, say 'a bulk order,' not 'a bulky order,' unless you mean the order is physically awkward to carry.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bulk' store like Costco where everything is 'B' for Big, and you 'Buy' in 'Bulk' to save 'Bucks.'
Word Origin
Originating from Middle Dutch 'bulke', meaning a ship's cargo or a swelling, it evolved to describe large quantities.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western societies, bulk buying is associated with suburban warehouse clubs where families buy large quantities of groceries to save money over time.
Quick Quiz
The logistics manager placed a ____ order for raw materials to ensure production wouldn't stop.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bulk
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
pale
A1Describes something that has very little color or is much lighter than usual. It is often used to describe a person's face when they are ill or a color that is mixed with a lot of white.
lung
A1The lungs are two organs inside your chest that you use to breathe. They bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide when you breathe out.
tropical
A1Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.
trader
A1A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.
indoor
A1Describes something that is located, happens, or is used inside a building rather than outside. It is an adjective used before a noun to talk about activities or objects protected from the weather.
threshold
A1A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.
tribute
A1A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.
elder
A1Used to describe a person who is older than another, especially within a family. It is also used to refer to people who have a high status or more experience because of their age.
russian
A1Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.
southeastern
A1Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free