bloc

/blɑk/

/blɒk/

Other forms: blocs

A group that unites, especially for a political or economic purpose, is a bloc. The European Union is a bloc of countries that share common economic, social, and security policies.

A trade or political bloc is formed when countries (or states) unite around a common goal. The E.U., for example, sometimes operates almost as a single nation, especially when it comes to trading goods and services with other countries around the world. A voting bloc is a category of voters who tend to cast their ballots the same way; the "religious right" is one example of a voting bloc. The term comes from the French bloc, or "group."

Definitions of bloc

1. noun

   a group united for a particular purpose
2. noun

   a group of countries in special alliance
   synonyms: axis

   types:

   scheduled territories, sterling area, sterling bloc

   the group of countries whose currencies are tied to the British pound sterling

   type of:

   alignment, alinement, alliance, coalition

   an organization of people (or countries) involved in a pact or treaty