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.

---

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.)

---

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

He decided to use his platform to advocate for us, and when he did, he made it clear that we are a special interest group worthy of attention.

From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2024

They balk at alienating any friendly interest group or voter.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2024

G77: Stands for the “Group of 77,” a developing-countries interest group that formed within the U.N. in 1964.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 18, 2023

"We need literacy for democracy to survive," says the literacy special interest group.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai

Related Words

• lobby
• political action committee
• pressure group