blockage

noun

block·​age ˈblä-kij How to pronounce blockage (audio)
Synonyms of blockagenext
: an act or instance of obstructing : the state of being blocked
a blockage in a coronary artery

Examples of blockage in a Sentence

He had surgery to open up blockages in his arteries. trying to prevent blockage of the artery
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The latest landslide created a new blockage in the river and formed another barrier lake, authorities said. — Bhadra Sharma, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Injecting these medications could result in blockages, clotting issues and tissue or organ injury, according to the notices. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Even if a large storm has disrupted power lines or internet access, a high-quality walkie-talkie should transmit your communications, as long as there are no severe obstructions or blockage. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 Pearl was taken to the hospital, according to the news story, and died there with what today would be described as septic shock from a bowel blockage. — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blockage

Word History

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blockage was in 1724

Rhymes for blockage

See All Rhymes for blockage

Browse Nearby Words

blockade-runner
blockage
block and block
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blockage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blockage. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

blockage

noun
block·​age ˈbläk-ij How to pronounce blockage (audio)
: an act or instance of blocking : the state of being blocked
a blockage in an artery

Medical Definition

blockage

noun
block·​age ˈbläk-ij How to pronounce blockage (audio)
: the action of blocking or the state of being blocked: as
a
: blockade sense 2
b
: internal resistance to understanding a communicated idea, to learning new material, or to adopting a new mode of response because of existing habitual ways of thinking, perceiving, and acting compare blocking

Legal Definition

blockage

noun
block·​age
: the condition of a large block of items of property (as shares of stock) that requires special valuation for purposes of estate and gift tax because the value of the items sold as a block differs from their value if sold individually

More from Merriam-Webster on blockage

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for blockage

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