chockablock

• chock-a-block
• chock a block
• choc-a-bloc

chock + a + block

• IPA^(key): /ˈtʃɒkəˌblɒk/

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chockablock (comparative more chockablock, superlative most chockablock)

1. (nautical) (of a ship's hoisting tackle) Having the blocks drawn close together so no further movement is possible, as when the tackle is hauled to the utmost.
2. (by extension) Jammed tightly together; very crowded; completely filled or stuffed.

   Some of Sardinia's gorgeous seaside towns have lately been invaded by builders who erected chockablock housing that catered to middle-income tourists but threatened to spoil the landscape.

• chock
• chocka
• chocker
• chockers
• chokka

chockablock (comparative more chockablock, superlative most chockablock)

1. In a crowded manner; as completely or closely as possible.

   His study had books stacked chockablock on every shelf.

   The meeting hall was chockablock full of angry citizens.

   • 2012, The Economist, Oct 13th 2012, Free exchange: Concrete gains

     AMERICA is full of vast, empty spaces. Europe, by contrast, seems chock-a-block with humanity, its history shaped by a lack of continental elbowroom.

• chockful, chockfull, chock-full, chock full