noun
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the act of blocking or state of being blocked
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an object causing an obstruction
Etymology
Origin of blockage
Explanation
Something that physically obstructs or blocks an opening or tube is a blockage. A blockage in your sink drain can make it overflow. There are two main kinds of blockages — the first affects your plumbing, impeding water from flowing through your pipes. The other type of blockage is a medical condition, affecting your circulatory system. The blockage in your uncle's arteries might mean he needs surgery. The noun blockage, from about 1827, comes from block, "solid piece," from the Old French bloc, "block of wood."
Vocabulary lists containing blockage
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -age
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-age, List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He flagged the issue with the River's Agency, who said it was not their responsibility to remove it if it was not causing a blockage in the waterway.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
The effects of the internet blockage could linger beyond the war, according to Farzanegan of Philipps-Universität Marburg.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
China is less exposed than other Asian economies to shortages of oil and gas after Tehran's blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
From Barron's • May 8, 2026
According to the report, Brendon also had a “markedly enlarged heart,” “moderate” blockage in some of his left arteries and small bowel inflammation.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
He set about explaining heart attacks: the narrowed artery, the blockage, the partial muscle death.
From "Class Matters" by The New York Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
