C1 adjective Neutral

bulk

/bʌlk/

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 5
1

Buying 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.

2

The warehouse is equipped to handle the bulk storage of petroleum products.

The warehouse can store large amounts of oil products.

3

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.

Word Family

Noun
bulk
Verb
bulk
Adverb
bulkily
Adjective
bulk
Related
bulkiness
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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

1

Buying bulk grains at the local co-op is much cheaper than buying pre-packaged bags.

everyday

Buying large quantities of grains is cheaper than small bags.

2

The warehouse is equipped to handle the bulk storage of petroleum products.

formal

The warehouse can store large amounts of oil products.

3

I usually just grab bulk candy from the bins when I'm at the theater.

informal

I buy large amounts of loose candy at the movies.

4

Researchers investigated the bulk properties of the metallic alloy under extreme pressure.

academic

Scientists studied the overall mass characteristics of the metal.

5

Our company has secured a bulk discount with the paper supplier to reduce overhead.

business

Our business got a discount for buying a large quantity of paper.

Word Family

Noun
bulk
Verb
bulk
Adverb
bulkily
Adjective
bulk
Related
bulkiness

Common Collocations

bulk order a large order of goods
bulk buying purchasing in large quantities
bulk carrier a ship designed to transport unpackaged cargo
bulk discount a price reduction for large purchases
bulk transport moving goods in large masses

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 vs bulky

'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.

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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.

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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

Used as an attributive adjective (before the noun). Non-gradable; you cannot usually say 'very bulk'.
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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 Words

pale

A1

Describes 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

A1

The 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

A1

Relating 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

A1

A 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

A1

Describes 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

A1

A 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

A1

A 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

A1

Used 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

A1

Relating 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

A1

Located 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.

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