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 addition to considering a single-family home, the research also examined how well the technology would work in the lobby of a small hotel, a medium-size office building, and hospital patient rooms.

From Science Daily

Others say the farmers are a noisy, well-organised lobby group seeking to shield their often considerable wealth and perpetuate a privilege to the exclusion of others.

From BBC

Crypto is expected to lobby for a more favorable regulatory environment, but also faces questions about who will keep campaign donors in check and consumers safe, Salon reported.

From Salon

Dairy and meat industries in the U.S. have lobbied to gain access to school children by making a number of foods, snacks or entire food groups mandatory or just omnipresent.

From Salon

Trades that are universally understood, at least in broad brush terms, and provide for our most essential needs can be very effective lobby groups, the argument goes.

From BBC

Related Words

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