lobby

American  

[lob-ee] / ˈlɒb i /

noun

lobbies plural

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.

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verb (used without object)

lobbies, present (3rd person singular) lobbied, past participle, past lobbying present participle

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

verb (used with object)

lobbies, present (3rd person singular) lobbied, past participle, past lobbying present participle

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 British  

/ 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

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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 Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unlobbying
  adjective
• lobbyer
  noun
• unlobbied
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• lobbies
  plural

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have lobbied
  perfect
• has lobbied
  perfect 3rd person singular
• am lobbying
  progressive 1st person singular
• is lobbying
  progressive 3rd person singular
• are lobbying
  progressive
• has been lobbying
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• lobbies
  singular 3rd person
• have been lobbying
  perfect progressive
• lobbying
  participle

Past

• had lobbied
  perfect
• were lobbying
  progressive plural
• lobbied
  participle
• was lobbying
  progressive singular
• lobbied
  simple
• had been lobbying
  perfect progressive

Future

• will lobby
  simple
• will have lobbied
  perfect
• will be lobbying
  progressive
• will have been lobbying
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of lobby

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

Explanation

A lobby is a large waiting room or reception area. If you're waiting for an appointment in a lobby, maybe you'll get lucky and find a good magazine or even a peppermint candy. You'll find a lot of people hanging around in a lobby — which is basically what it’s there for. A lobby is where you meet your friend at the hotel or catch the elevator for your interview. The idea of the "political lobby group" came from the large entrance halls of the legislature, where people hung around trying to influence the lawmakers. So the next time your class tries to lobby your teacher for extra credit, he can thank the halls of Congress.

Example Sentences

The government should hold a public inquiry into the "failures" surrounding the death of Henry Nowak, a Sikh lobby group has said.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

The $25-million restoration, which organizers previously told The Times would be completed next year, includes plans for a restaurant, bar, gallery and a multipurpose space in the lobby for filmmakers and hosting premiere-related events.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

The valets in the lobby summon golf carts with a flick of the wrist, graciously driving me back and forth from the parking lot.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

"The current crisis is a wake-up call regarding Europe's energy independence," said Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of Airlines for Europe, a civil aviation lobby group.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

There’s a computer in the motel lobby, on the desk where Alex sits.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Related Words

• campaign for
• persuade
• politick
• press
• promote
• push
• request
• solicit
• sway
• urge