noun
Common
blocking
BLO-kihng
Blocking (noun) means the act of obstructing something, or the resulting obstruction. Example: “The blocking of the road by fallen trees delayed the buses.”
noun
1
The act of obstructing something, or the resulting obstruction.
"The blocking of the road by fallen trees delayed the buses."
"Blocking the doorway with boxes is dangerous if there is a fire."
"The blocking of the bill frustrated lawmakers."
"Miss H.'s voice was clear and intelligible, although it alternated between vocal blockings and extreme vocal hurry, every clause being jetted out suddenly, and rapidly decaying into aphonia."
— Oliver Sacks, Awakenings (1973)
"blocking of major opposition sites"
2
In theatre or film, the planned movement and positioning of actors on stage or set.
"The actors rehearsed the blocking until everyone knew where to stand during the dance scene."
"Good blocking makes sure the audience can see the lead actor at all times."
"The director spent the morning working out the blocking for act two."
How to use blocking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStopping or obstructing something, or in theatre/film, planning exactly where actors stand and move.
Common pairings
stage blocking
blocking a bill
ad blocking
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Word forms
- Plural
- blockings
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The _____ of the road by fallen trees delayed the buses.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for blocking
See all rhymes for blocking →Frequently asked questions
What does “blocking” mean?
The word “blocking” means the act of obstructing something, or the resulting obstruction. In plain terms, stopping or obstructing something, or in theatre/film, planning exactly where actors stand and move.
How do you pronounce “blocking”?
“Blocking” is pronounced BLO-kihng (/ˈblɑkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “blocking” in a sentence?
Here is “blocking” used in a sentence: “The blocking of the bill frustrated lawmakers.”
What part of speech is “blocking”?
“Blocking” is a noun.
Is “blocking” a common word?
“Blocking” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “blocking” have?
“Blocking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of obstructing something, or the resulting obstruction.
What is the difference between blocking and staging?
Blocking refers specifically to where actors move and stand during a scene, while staging is broader and covers the overall arrangement of a production, including sets, props, lighting, and actor positions. Blocking is one part of staging.
What is the difference between blocking and obstruction?
"Blocking" is the act of obstructing something or the resulting barrier, and it stresses the action of getting in the way. "Obstruction" more often names the thing or state that blocks the path. The two overlap, but "blocking" emphasises the doing.
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