noun
Uncommon
bloc
blok
Bloc (noun) means a group of countries, parties, or people united by shared political or economic goals. Example: “The trade bloc negotiated as a single unit.”
noun
1
A group of countries, parties, or people united by shared political or economic goals.
"Like the iPod and MySpace, the BRICS bloc is a product of the benign optimism of the 2000s."
— , The BRICS bloc is riven with tensions (2023)
"The trade bloc negotiated as a single unit."
"Voters in the swing bloc could decide the election."
"Several neighbouring countries formed a bloc to protect their shared economic interests."
How to use bloc
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group (usually of countries or voters) acting together toward a shared goal.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "block" — a bloc is an alliance of countries or people, while a block is a solid piece or a city section.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
trading bloc
voting bloc
political bloc
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Word forms
- Plural
- blocs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The trade _____ negotiated as a single unit.
Etymology
Borrowed from French bloc ("group, block"), ultimately from a Germanic word for a log or beam — a doublet of the English word block.
Related words
Rhymes for bloc
See all rhymes for bloc →Frequently asked questions
What does “bloc” mean?
The word “bloc” means a group of countries, parties, or people united by shared political or economic goals. In plain terms, a group (usually of countries or voters) acting together toward a shared goal.
How do you pronounce “bloc”?
“Bloc” is pronounced blok (/blɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “bloc” in a sentence?
Here is “bloc” used in a sentence: “The trade bloc negotiated as a single unit.”
What part of speech is “bloc”?
“Bloc” is a noun.
Where does the word “bloc” come from?
The word “bloc” comes from French. Borrowed from French bloc ("group, block"), ultimately from a Germanic word for a log or beam — a doublet of the English word block.
Is “bloc” a common word?
“Bloc” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "bloc" and "block"?
"Bloc" and "block" are pronounced the same but spelled differently and mean different things: a "bloc" is a group of countries, parties, or people united by shared political or economic goals, while "block" refers to a solid piece of material, a city block, or the act of obstructing something. Mixing up the spellings is a common writing mistake.
What is an example of a political "bloc"?
A political bloc is a coalition of countries or parties that vote or act together toward shared goals, such as a regional trading bloc or a voting bloc within a legislature. The term emphasizes unity of purpose rather than physical or geographic closeness.
Is "bloc" only used in politics?
"Bloc" is most often used in political and economic contexts, such as trade blocs or voting blocs, but it can describe any group of people or entities united by a shared goal, even outside formal politics. The common thread is a shared interest that binds the group together.
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