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

A spokesman for the European Commission, the bloc’s executive body, said the EU expected the U.S. to honor the bargain.

From The Wall Street Journal

In January, the government proposed opening 70 new blocs to prospecting, more than half of them in the Arctic waters of the Barents Sea.

From Barron's

EU member states and the European Parliament introduced the ban as part of the proposals to amend the bloc's comprehensive rules on AI.

From Barron's

The outcome of the election reflects a desire for change that was seen during the election campaign, with parties courting Nepal's key youth bloc with promises of addressing issues including unemployment, economic stagnation and inequality.

From BBC

The idea of any kind of unity within the bloc is laughable.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• association
• faction