bloc

[blok]

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.

bloc

/ blɒk /

noun

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

   the Soviet bloc

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloc¹

From French, dating back to 1900–05; block

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloc¹

C20: from French: _block

Example Sentences

But there is some scepticism from countries like Germany over the proposal and fears that the 27-nation bloc could be treading on NATO's toes.

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But it has faced fierce opposition from several member states and the right wing of the European Parliament -- treading carefully around agricultural interests since protests over EU red tape swept the bloc last year.

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Saying the bloc harmed Spanish interests in favour of France and Germany, he promised a referendum on membership if the EU did not "respect" Spain.

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The aim of the new system is to eventually replace the manual stamp on passports and secure better information-sharing between the bloc's 27 states.

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He held a rally in Maroua in the strategic Far North region, which has 1.2 million eligible voters and makes up the second largest voting bloc in the country.

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Related Words

• association 
• faction