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

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

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2025

“For better or worse, government data is the official record,” said Ishan Mehta, director for media and democracy at Common Cause, the nonpartisan public interest group.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2025

The report, due to be presented in Parliament later on Tuesday, was put together by a cross-party interest group and is based on written testimony from 175 respondents collected over two and a half years.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 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

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