Oversized means larger than the normal, standard, or expected size. When something is oversized, it's bigger than it needs to be or bigger than what's typical.

You see this word often with clothing: an oversized sweater hangs loosely and drapes past your hands, much bigger than a sweater that fits snugly. Fashion designers sometimes create oversized jackets or shirts on purpose because some people like the comfortable, relaxed feeling of wearing something roomy.

The word can describe objects too. An oversized package might not fit in a standard mailbox. An oversized load on a truck might be so wide or tall that it needs special permits and warning signs. Libraries often have an oversized book section for art books or atlases too big for regular shelves.

Sometimes oversized suggests excess or wastefulness, like an oversized mansion that's far bigger than a family needs. Other times it's practical: an oversized beach towel gives you more room to stretch out on the sand.

The opposite of oversized is undersized, meaning smaller than expected. Between these two are standard-sized or regular-sized, meaning just the normal, expected dimensions.