chockablock

American  

[chok-uh-blok] / ˈtʃɒk əˈblɒk /

Or chock-a-block

adjective

1. extremely full; crowded; jammed.

   a room chockablock with furniture and plants.

2. Nautical. having the blocks drawn close together, as when the tackle is hauled to the utmost.

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adverb

1. in a crowded manner.

   books piled chockablock on the narrow shelf.

Usage

What does chockablock mean? Chockablock describes something, such as a space, that is filled to the utmost or extremely crowded.Chockablock can describe anything that is literally filled to capacity, such as a room or a container, as in All the bins in the store were chockablock with sale items. Frequently, it is used to describe a space filled with people, as in The museum’s special exhibit of mummies was chockablock with people.Chockablock can also be used figuratively to mean filled throughout, as in You’ll always find a place to eat because this neighborhood is chockablock with restaurants.Chockablock also means in a crowded manner, as in After the concert let out, the subway trains were filled chockablock with concertgoers.In nautical terms, chockablock means having the blocks drawn close together. In this situation, a block is a case that contains pulleys. On large ships, multiple blocks will often be used in tandem to create a pulley system known as a block and tackle, which is used to lift heavy weights or to open large sails with the use of a single rope or mechanism. When these blocks are pulled together so that they are touching while holding their full load, they are described as being chockablock.Example: This place is chockablock with people. I think we should go somewhere else.

Etymology

Origin of chockablock

First recorded in 1790–1800; chock (in the sense wedge) + -a- connnecting vowel that is probably a reduced form of and + block (in the sense solid mass of wood)

Example Sentences

Social media has become chockablock with people selling things in often formulaic ways.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Based on Larson’s research, he writes his nonfiction like a novel, chockablock full of weird and wondrous details of Chicago at the fin de siècle.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

“In a life chockablock with joy and success, my two failed marriages are my greatest regret.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 2, 2023

Offering both vintage and new records, it’s chockablock with classic albums, underground favorites and long-lost gems.

From Washington Post • Apr. 28, 2022

The bunkers are chockablock, but you know that ice work takes the steam.

From The Ice Pilot by Leverage, Henry

Related Words

• brimming
• loaded