# size

/ˈsaɪz/ (US) · /sˈaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/size
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. dimensions

noun · CEFR A2

how big or small something is.

For teachers: the physical dimensions, proportions, or magnitude of an object or entity.

- The size of the new sofa made it difficult to get through the door.
- The sheer size of the cathedral was intended to inspire awe in the pilgrims who visited from across the continent.

### 2. clothing measurement

noun · CEFR A2

one of a series of standard measurements for clothes or shoes.

For teachers: a specific set of standardized dimensions for manufactured articles, particularly garments and footwear.

- I usually wear a size ten, but these shoes feel a bit tight.
- The retailer decided to expand their range to include plus-size options after reviewing customer feedback from the previous quarter.

### 3. glue or primer

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a sticky substance like glue used to prepare a surface for painting.

For teachers: a glutinous or viscous substance, such as thin glue or varnish, used as a primer for paper, canvas, or walls.

- The artist applied a layer of size to the canvas before starting the oil painting.
- Traditional gilding requires the application of a specific oil-based size to ensure the gold leaf adheres smoothly to the frame.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in artistic or industrial contexts.

### 4. to sort by dimensions

verb · CEFR B2

to group or arrange things according to how big they are.

For teachers: to classify, sort, or arrange items according to their physical dimensions.

- The machine sizes the apples and drops them into different boxes.
- The warehouse staff spent the afternoon sizing the incoming crates to ensure the heavy equipment was stored on the reinforced lower shelves.

### 5. to apply primer

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to cover a surface with a special glue-like liquid before painting it.

For teachers: to treat or coat a surface with size or a similar sealing agent.

- You need to size the wall before you put up the new wallpaper.
- The conservator carefully sized the porous paper to prevent the ink from feathering during the restoration process.

## Examples

- The size of the box is too large for the shelf.
- I need to exchange this shirt because the size is too small for me.
- The sheer size of the cathedral is intended to inspire awe in visitors, dwarfing the surrounding buildings with its massive stone arches.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.