# bloc

/ˈbɫɑk/ (US) · /blˈɒk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bloc
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. international alliance

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

a group of countries that join together for trade or political reasons.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. political or voting group

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

a group of people or politicians who vote the same way to get what they want.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The trade bloc agreed to lower taxes on imported goods.
- Several nations formed a powerful voting bloc to influence the outcome of the climate summit.
- The emergence of a new economic bloc in the region has significantly shifted the balance of power, forcing established markets to renegotiate their long-standing trade agreements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.