size

size — noun

1. the degree to which someone or something is big or small, usually expressed in u

1.nounA2
Definition

the degree to which someone or something is big or small, usually expressed in units of length, area, or weight.

Example

The Watanabe family was amazed by the size of the ancient redwood tree.

noun phrase: the size of [thing]

Because of its size, the delivery truck could not fit through the narrow alley.

reason clause with because of its size

Common collocations
  • size of something
  • in size
  • the same size
  • half the size
  • double the size
Synonyms
  • dimensions

    more specific — refers to length, width, and height as individual measurements, not overall bigness

  • measurements

    emphasises exact numbers obtained by measuring rather than a general impression of bigness

  • extent

    more formal, often used for areas or degrees of seriousness rather than physical objects

Common Mistakes

The size of the box is small.
The box is small.
In everyday English it is more natural to say something is small/big directly than to describe its size as small/big.

2. a standard label shown as a number or letter that tells you which version of a p

2.nounA2
Definition

a standard label shown as a number or letter that tells you which version of a product to choose, especially for clothes, shoes, or packaged goods.

Example

Joaquín tried the jacket in a larger size, but it was still too tight.

in a [adjective] size

Defne always checks the size label on the box before buying shoes online.

size label

Common collocations
  • in size
  • size X
  • shoe size
  • dress size
  • size label
  • a larger/smaller size
  • the next size up/down
Synonyms
  • fit

    focuses on how well something matches a person's shape, not the standard label itself

  • measurement

    an actual number in inches or centimetres, not a standardised size label

Usage Note

Commonly paired with a specific product type: 'shoe size', 'dress size', 'collar size'. The label itself can be a number (8, 10, 42) or a letter (S, M, L, XL).

Common Mistakes

I need a size of 38 shoes.
I need size 38 shoes.' or 'I need shoes in size 38.
The article 'a' is not used before the size label.

3. a thick, sticky liquid that is put onto fabric, paper, or walls to make them sti

3.noun
Definition

a thick, sticky liquid that is put onto fabric, paper, or walls to make them stiff or to create a smooth surface ready for painting or wallpaper.

Example

Beatrix brushed a layer of size onto the canvas before starting her painting.

brushed a layer of size onto [surface]

The old wallpaper came off easily because the size underneath had dried out.

Common collocations
  • apply size
  • brush size onto
  • a layer of size
  • size powder
Synonyms
  • sizing

    the same substance, often used interchangeably in craft contexts

  • paste

    a more general term for any thick, wet adhesive mixture

Usage Note

This is a specialised sense used mainly by artists, decorators, and bookbinders. In everyday conversation, 'glue' or 'paste' is far more common.

Idioms

cut somebody down to size

idiom

to show someone that they are not as important, clever, or powerful as they believe themselves to be.

The new manager's sharp questions during the meeting quickly cut the arrogant consultant down to size.

that's about the size of it

idiom

used to say that a description or summary is basically accurate, even if it is not complete in every detail.

"So we have to finish the report by Friday and deliver it to the client by Monday?" — "Yes, that's about the size of it."

that’s about the size of it

idiom

This phrase means that a description or summary is correct.

Maya said the project is delayed, and that's about the size of it.

So you think we need more time? Yes, that's about the size of it.

size — verb

Word family

  • sizable
    adjectiveB2
  • sized
    adjectiveB1
  • sizing
    nounC1
  • undersized
    adjectiveC1
  • oversized
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Size is the most general word for how big or small something is — it covers length, width, height, area, and weight without being specific about which aspect you mean. Dimensions refers specifically to measurable lengths in different directions (length, width, height), and is common in technical or geometric contexts. Measurements are the exact numbers you get when you measure something with a tool like a tape measure or ruler. Extent is more formal and often describes the scope or scale of something abstract, such as 'the extent of the damage' or 'the full extent of the problem'. Volume is narrower and refers to the three-dimensional space an object occupies — you would talk about the volume of a box or a container. For everyday descriptions of objects, size is the best all-purpose choice: 'What size is your phone?' would be natural, while 'What dimensions is your phone?' or 'What volume is your phone?' would sound odd in casual conversation.

size ↗dimensionsmeasurementsextent ↗volume ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • body size
  • family size
  • portion size
  • class size
  • sample size
  • population size

Phrases

  • the size of something
  • a decrease in size
  • an increase in size
  • a range of sizes

Prepositions

  • of (the size of something)
  • in (big in size, similar in size)

Etymology

Old FrenchLatinEnglish

The word 'size' comes from Old French 'sise', a shortened form of 'assise' meaning 'a sitting' or 'a fixed measure'. In medieval courts, an 'assize' was a legal session that set standard weights and measures for goods. Over time, the word shifted from 'a fixed standard' to the 'physical dimensions' of objects that those standards were used to measure. The specialised sense of a sticky substance (glue) developed later in the 15th century from the idea of 'setting' or 'fixing' a surface.