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

Denmark's representative Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the bloc "stands firm in defence of the court in the face of threats and sanctions against the court".

Read more on Barron's

Data for November showed strong output and new order growth across the Asean bloc that includes Vietnam and Indonesia.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The West African bloc Ecowas took a similar action, while urging the military to return to the barracks.

Read more on BBC

Proponents argue that if the bloc does not act now to use the money, then it risks losing control of it under a potential US-backed peace deal.

Read more on Barron's

In response, the European Union crafted a counterproposal more acceptable to Ukraine, and its member states are rushing to rearm as the bloc looks for ways to break its institutional gridlock.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• association 
• faction