Block: Definition, Usage & Examples for Buildings

Meaning 1：large multi-unit building (block)

block 🔊

/blɒk/

A large building that is divided into separate parts like apartments or offices.

Illustration of a block: a large multi-unit residential building on a city street.

large multi-unit building 🔊

➕

/lɑːrdʒ ˌmʌlti ˈjuːnɪt ˈbɪldɪŋ/

A structure that houses multiple separate units, such as apartments or offices, within a single building.

📁 Category：Buildings & Places 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Old French 'bloc', meaning a solid piece or log.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a BLOCK of apartments as a big, solid BUILDing BLOCK for city living.

📖 Example

My best friend lives in the new apartment block across the street. 🔊 My best friend lives in the new apartment block across the street.

🔗 Collocations

apartment block – a building containing many apartments

office block – a large building divided into offices

block of flats – British term for a residential building with multiple flats

🔄 Synonyms

building (n.) – a structure with a roof and walls

complex (n.) – a group of similar buildings or facilities

edifice (n.) – a large, imposing building

🚫 Antonyms

individual house (n.) – a separate dwelling not part of a large building

open space (n.) – an area of land not occupied by buildings

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old French 'bloc', possibly from Middle Dutch 'blok', meaning a log. In urban planning, it evolved to denote a group of buildings bounded by streets.