out·size
ˈau̇t-ˌsīz 
: an unusual size
especially
: a size larger than the standard
Nightgowns are generally made in three sizes—small, medium and outsize. —
Amy K. Smith
Amy K. Smith
out·size
ˈau̇t-ˌsīz
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
Neil M. Clark2
: 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
Carlo RotellaHe 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
Anthony Haden-GuestSynonyms
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 WebStefanos Chen, New York Times, 9 May 2024
The results of Paine’s experiment, published in the American Naturalist in 1966, showed that a single species can have an outsize influence on an ecological community.
—Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for outsize 
Adjective
As to whether the funds are worth the cost, Mr. Owusu-Kesse said that the $10,000 investment reflects a small fraction of the price to put a New York City student through high school, and that the savings could have an outsize impact on their lives.
—Stefanos Chen, New York Times, 9 May 2024
The results of Paine’s experiment, published in the American Naturalist in 1966, showed that a single species can have an outsize influence on an ecological community.
—Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for outsize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outsize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Outsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsize. Accessed 14 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outsize
1 of 2 noun
out·size
ˈau̇t-ˌsīz
: a size different and especially larger than the standard
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