interest group

American  

noun

1. a group of people drawn or acting together in support of a common interest or to voice a common concern.

   Political interest groups seek to influence legislation.

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interest group Cultural  

1. An organized group that tries to influence the government to adopt certain policies or measures. Also called pressure group. (See lobby.)

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Etymology

Origin of interest group

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

interest group

Do those educators make mistakes, often as a result of interest group pressure?

From Slate ● Jul. 1, 2025

Tamas noted, however, that the Working Families Party has been unusually durable, even if it is acting mostly as an interest group in the Democratic coalition.

From Salon ● Oct. 26, 2024

“It may mean saying no to an interest group that’s had our back in the past. It may mean reaching out to a colleague whose beliefs are different than our own.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 7, 2023

The corporation, he said, was "trying to anticipate the latest volleys of criticisms, stampeded by this or that interest group, avoiding offence".

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2023

There is also a greater freedom of expression in a free sheeter since the publication is not tied to the apron strings of a business house or interest group with vested interests.

From Behind the News: Voices from Goa's Press by Various

Related Words

• lobby
• political action committee
• pressure group