Word
bloc
US/ˈbɫɑk/
UK/blˈɒk/
Definitions
01international alliance
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Academic · Formal
n. a group of countries that join together for trade or political reasons.
n. a group of nations united by a common interest or a formal treaty, often acting as a single unit in international trade or diplomacy.
“The European Union is a powerful trading bloc that influences global markets.”
“Member states within the regional trading bloc negotiated a unified tariff structure to protect domestic industries from external competition.”
Usage
Often used with modifiers like 'trading', 'economic', or 'political'.
Synonyms
02political or voting group
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Politics Academic · Formal
n. a group of people or politicians who vote the same way to get what they want.
n. a collection of individuals, parties, or legislators who coordinate their voting behaviour to exert collective influence.
“The conservative bloc in parliament refused to support the new environmental law.”
“The legislative bloc remained disciplined during the final reading, ensuring the controversial bill passed despite significant public protest.”
Usage
Frequently appears in the phrase 'voting bloc'.
Real-World Examples
“The European Union wants to cut packaging waste which has soared alongside the rise in online shopping and on-the-go consumption in the 27-country bloc.” “AFC member Australia has also called for an independent review alongside the Asian bloc, without publicly expressing a position on Infantino’s leadership.” Etymology
Borrowed from French bloc (“group, block”), ultimately of Old Dutch origin, from Frankish or Proto-West Germanic blokk, from Proto-Germanic blukką (“beam, log”). Doublet of block.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/bloc