noun
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the act of blocking or state of being blocked
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an object causing an obstruction
Etymology
Origin of blockage
Explanation
Something that physically obstructs or blocks an opening or tube is a blockage. A blockage in your sink drain can make it overflow. There are two main kinds of blockages — the first affects your plumbing, impeding water from flowing through your pipes. The other type of blockage is a medical condition, affecting your circulatory system. The blockage in your uncle's arteries might mean he needs surgery. The noun blockage, from about 1827, comes from block, "solid piece," from the Old French bloc, "block of wood."
Vocabulary lists containing blockage
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -age
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-age, List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Blockage of the Strait of Hormuz raises concerns for Asia’s oil-dependent supply chain and helium, with one-third of global supply offline.
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
Blockage of arterial blood vessels caused by atherosclerosis is largely responsible for heart attacks and strokes, which are the most common causes of death worldwide.
From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2024
Blockage of the large carotid arteries in the neck can lead to massive strokes.
From US News • Jul. 8, 2015
Proponents of these transactions, such as the founders of SecondMarket, cite the market in private-company stock as a cure for the deadly affliction known as IPO Blockage.
From BusinessWeek • Apr. 21, 2011
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
