interest group

American  

noun

1. a group of people drawn or acting together in support of a common interest or to voice a common concern.

   Political interest groups seek to influence legislation.

---

interest group Cultural  

1. An organized group that tries to influence the government to adopt certain policies or measures. Also called pressure group. (See lobby.)

---

Etymology

Origin of interest group

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

interest group

"The core constituency coming to these protests doesn't represent a singular interest group."

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

But as I said earlier, it’s always been from a particular interest group, not the Department of Justice and not the head of the executive branch.

From Slate ● May 12, 2026

“So does he want to take on that interest group and alienate them? I don’t know.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 7, 2025

He decided to use his platform to advocate for us, and when he did, he made it clear that we are a special interest group worthy of attention.

From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2024

Nor will it suffice to take a single interest group and base our interpretation upon it, not even for a special time and a special place.

From Introduction to the Science of Sociology by Park, Robert Ezra

Related Words

• lobby
• political action committee
• pressure group