Define a 'Block'

[T&S]

In the US, the term 'block' i used as a measure of distance, eg "I'm 3 blocks away.' How far is a block?

TIA

[237SJ]

It`s a group of buildings in between two side roads. So if you`re walking in NY up (say Lexington avenue) and there is a turning on the left (E55th street), the block comprises all the buildings between there and the next turning (E56th street). There`s no set distance commonly. There could be six shops or 10 shops. It`s still the block.

[T&S]

I see.So 3 blocks on one street could be considerably more than on another?

Thanks very much.

[seadogg]

It comes from the layout of many cites in North America which is a grid pattern.
Guess its more of an indication of location but there is a approximate distance involved.
Very handy but very boring!

[237SJ]

Yes T&S. If I asked a concierge directions to somewhere they always do it in blocks. Three blocks could be a long way in some places, but no way at all in somewhere like Manhattan where the cross streets are close together.

[Buenchico]

My answer here would appear to be relevant:
http://www.theanswerb...0.html#answer-3699092

Chris

[Clanad]

But... the block is then cut in two with an alley... mostly in residential areas, but also in many urban areas. It allows for service trucks and other such comings and goings to reach the backs of the buildings facing the streets. The alley only disects the block in one direction... it's not cut into 4ths...

[Peter Pedant]

the Latin for block is.....insula (island)
The buildings around St Brides Church in London may well be the foot print of the Roman Insula



I just thought i would add that to help people and give it a classical twist

[jno]

depends which way you're going - have a look at a Manahttan map

http://www.hot-map.com/nyc

and you'll see blocks can be much longer east-west than north-south.