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

Some 26 environmental interest groups opposed the bill, while nearly all business groups supported it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mitchell “delivered on” the “wants” of the Latino interest groups he interacted with, Lee said, based on his public statements and lack of testimony.

From Los Angeles Times

Kiros has refused donations from corporate PACs and special interest groups in her campaign.

From Salon

Today, ranching interest groups justify their subsidies by arguing that their livestock feed the country.

From Salon

Other countries and many interest groups would have to go along.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• lobby
• political action committee
• pressure group