lobby

[lob-ee]

noun

plural

lobbies 

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)

lobbied, lobbying 

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

verb (used with object)

lobbied, lobbying 

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 called: division 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.

Other Word Forms

• lobbyer noun
• unlobbied adjective
• unlobbying 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

The powerful pro-Israel lobby’s standing among Democrats has become a flash point amid broader internecine conflict in the Democratic Party over Israel’s unrelenting war in Gaza.

From Los Angeles Times

From the outside, the building is modest, but inside, the recently renovated lobby is bright and welcoming, with plenty of seating and a communal microwave that’s surprisingly handy.

From Salon

What struck me is how much the fictional paper’s lobby looked like the old Globe Lobby of the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

At one point, he orders a drink from the bar and makes a phone call in the lobby.

From Los Angeles Times

Public galleries and lobby spaces will activate the building throughout the day, not just during shows.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• campaign for www.thesaurus.com
• persuade 
• politick 
• press 
• promote 
• push 
• request 
• solicit 
• sway 
• urge