bloc

American  

[blok] / blɒk /

noun

1. a group of persons, businesses, etc., united for a particular purpose.

2. a group of legislators, usually of both major political parties, who vote together for some particular interest.

   the farm bloc.

3. a group of nations that share common interests and usually act in concert in international affairs.

   the Soviet bloc.

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bloc British  

/ blɒk /

noun

1. a group of people or countries combined by a common interest or aim

   the Soviet bloc

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Etymology

Origin of bloc

From French, dating back to 1900–05; block

Example Sentences

Denmark's representative Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the bloc "stands firm in defence of the court in the face of threats and sanctions against the court".

From Barron's

Data for November showed strong output and new order growth across the Asean bloc that includes Vietnam and Indonesia.

From The Wall Street Journal

The West African bloc Ecowas took a similar action, while urging the military to return to the barracks.

From BBC

Proponents argue that if the bloc does not act now to use the money, then it risks losing control of it under a potential US-backed peace deal.

From Barron's

In response, the European Union crafted a counterproposal more acceptable to Ukraine, and its member states are rushing to rearm as the bloc looks for ways to break its institutional gridlock.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• association
• faction