lobby

[ lob-ee ]
/ ˈlɒb i /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR lobby ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural lob·bies.

an entrance hall, corridor, or vestibule, as in a public building, often serving as an anteroom; foyer.
a large public room or hall adjacent to a legislative chamber.
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.

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

verb (used with object), lob·bied, lob·by·ing.

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

Origin of lobby

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

OTHER WORDS FROM lobby

lob·by·er, noun un·lob·bied, adjective un·lob·by·ing, adjective

Words nearby lobby

lobar, lobar pneumonia, lobate, lobation, lobber, lobby, lobbygow, lobbyist, lobe, lobe-finned fish, lobectomy

Words related to lobby

hallway, porch, hall, vestibule, corridor, foyer, doorway, urge, request, push, persuade, solicit, press, promote, sway, politick, passageway, gateway, passage, antechamber

Example sentences from the Web for lobby

British Dictionary definitions for lobby

lobby
/ (ˈlɒbɪ) /

noun plural -bies

a room or corridor used as an entrance hall, vestibule, etc
mainly British a hall in a legislative building used for meetings between the legislators and members of the public
Also called: division lobby mainly British one of two corridors in a legislative building in which members vote
a group of persons who attempt to influence legislators on behalf of a particular interest

verb -bies, -bying or -bied

Derived forms of lobby

lobbyer, noun

Word Origin for lobby

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

Cultural definitions for lobby

lobby

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.