lobby

[ lob-ee ]

noun

, plural lob·bies.

1. an entrance hall, corridor, or vestibule, as in a public building, often serving as an anteroom; foyer.
2. a large public room or hall adjacent to a legislative chamber.
3. a group of persons who work or conduct a campaign to influence members of a legislature to vote according to the group's special interest.

verb (used without object)

, lob·bied, lob·by·ing.

1. to solicit or try to influence the votes of members of a legislative body.

verb (used with object)

, lob·bied, lob·by·ing.

1. to try to influence the actions of (public officials, especially legislators).
2. to urge or procure the passage of (a bill), by lobbying.

lobby

/ ˈlɒbɪ /

noun

1. a room or corridor used as an entrance hall, vestibule, etc
2. a hall in a legislative building used for meetings between the legislators and members of the public
3. Also calleddivision lobby one of two corridors in a legislative building in which members vote
4. a group of persons who attempt to influence legislators on behalf of a particular interest

verb

1. to attempt to influence (legislators, etc) in the formulation of policy
2. intr to act in the manner of a lobbyist
3. tr to apply pressure or influence for the passage of (a bill, etc)

lobby

1. A group whose members share certain goals and work to bring about the passage, modification, or defeat of laws that affect these goals. Lobbies (also called interest groups or pressure groups ) can be long-standing (such as minority groups struggling to have their civil rights guaranteed) or ad hoc (such as a community threatened by proposed construction of a nuclear power plant). Lobbies may use grassroots methods, such as local rallies and campaigns, to build support for their cause and often employ professional lobbyists, who testify before congressional committees and approach policymakers in all government branches. Powerful lobbies, such as the AFL-CIO and the American Legion , with millions of members, have succeeded in establishing influence in Washington, D.C.

Derived Forms

• ˈlobbyer, noun

Other Words From

• lobby·er noun
• un·lobbied adjective
• un·lobby·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lobby¹

1545–55; < Medieval Latin lobia, laubia covered way < Old High German *laubia (later lauba ) arbor, derivative of laub leaf

Word History and Origins

Origin of lobby¹

C16: from Medieval Latin lobia portico, from Old High German lauba arbor, from laub leaf

Example Sentences

In 1994, Tupac was shot and injured during a robbery in the lobby of a studio.

From BBC

Shell said if people considered progress was too slow towards cutting emissions then they should lobby governments rather than Shell to change policies and bring about a green transition.

From BBC

Giant, golden Dobermann dog sculptures adorn the lobby and every floor outside the lifts.

From BBC

Back then, news crews packed into the lobby to capture everyone headed up the golden elevator to see Donald Trump on the 26th floor.

From BBC

“In addition to paying for the venue itself and the entire staff, the city also provides funding for everything in the theater — the actors, the royalties, the musicians in the pit, the props they’re carrying, the microphones on their heads, down to the flowers in the lobby and the ticket stock you’re holding,” explained producing artistic director BT McNicholl.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corridor
• doorway
• foyer
• hall
• hallway
• porch
• vestibule
• waiting room