1
a
: a temporary combination of parties in a legislative assembly
b
: a group of legislators who act together for some common purpose irrespective of party lines
2
a
: a combination of persons, groups, or nations forming a unit with a common interest or purpose
a bloc of voters
b
: a group of nations united by treaty or agreement for mutual support or joint action
3
: a quantity, number, or section of things dealt with as a unit : block
… seeking to buy and sell a large bloc of shares …—
Stuart Washington
Stuart WashingtonPotvin's outstanding bloc of games during his rookie campaign occurred during the 1993 playoffs.—Stan Fischler
Stan FischlerExamples of bloc in a Sentence
a voting bloc in the senate
a whole bloc of students got together to complain
Recent Examples on the Web
In different countries and on social media, African youths view the AU as a bloc of old leaders and one which sees their interests as less of a priority.
—ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
Diasporas are often treated by media and policymakers as monolithic blocs — politically unified, ideologically coherent and ready to be mobilized for regime change.
—Michael Paarlberg, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Board members Jill Christenson, Julie Corcoran and Gail Theisen form the other voting bloc.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
As independents become the state’s fastest-growing bloc, both major parties are struggling to remain relevant to voters.
—Terry Lierman, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bloc
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ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
Diasporas are often treated by media and policymakers as monolithic blocs — politically unified, ideologically coherent and ready to be mobilized for regime change.
—Michael Paarlberg, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Board members Jill Christenson, Julie Corcoran and Gail Theisen form the other voting bloc.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
As independents become the state’s fastest-growing bloc, both major parties are struggling to remain relevant to voters.
—Terry Lierman, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bloc
Cite this Entry
“Bloc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloc. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bloc
noun
: a combination of persons, groups, or nations united by treaty, agreement, or common interest
a bloc of voters
Etymology
French, literally, "block"
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