Hulking describes something extremely large, heavy, and often a bit clumsy or awkward because of its size. A hulking piece of furniture takes up half the room and looks impossible to move. A hulking truck rumbles down the highway, so massive it makes regular cars look like toys.

The word usually suggests something big in a slightly intimidating or ungraceful way. A hulking linebacker on a football team might tower over everyone else, his size making him hard to get past. An old, hulking machine in a factory might still work but look outdated and cumbersome compared to sleeker modern equipment.

While hulking describes size, it carries a different feeling than words like “large” or “gigantic.” Something hulking has weight and presence that makes you notice it. A hulking shadow in a doorway gets your attention. A hulking dog might be gentle and friendly, but its sheer size makes visitors pause before petting it.