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

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

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

It also made each interest group a peace group inside, because only by being a peace group could it conserve all its force.

From Folkways A Study of the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals by William Graham Sumner

Related Words

• lobby
• political action committee
• pressure group