bloc

American  

[blok] / blɒk /

noun

1. a group of persons, businesses, etc., united for a particular purpose.

2. a group of legislators, usually of both major political parties, who vote together for some particular interest.

   the farm bloc.

3. a group of nations that share common interests and usually act in concert in international affairs.

   the Soviet bloc.

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bloc British  

/ blɒk /

noun

1. a group of people or countries combined by a common interest or aim

   the Soviet bloc

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Etymology

Origin of bloc

From French, dating back to 1900–05; block

Example Sentences

Fearing that this might jeopardise Poland's membership of the bloc, however, he decided to keep the plan secret until he had won a second term.

From Barron's

It is one of the bloc’s few federal institutions and can make decisions affecting hundreds of millions of people without being constrained by Brussels’s political gridlock.

From The Wall Street Journal

U.S. and Indian officials didn’t mention China by name when announcing India’s inclusion in the bloc.

From The Wall Street Journal

As supply chains fragment into competing blocs, developing countries remain structurally exposed.

From Barron's

“Unfair competition, especially from China, puts a lot of pressure on us,” French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday ahead of a meeting of EU leaders to discuss the bloc’s response to its new economic challenges.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• association
• faction