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Synonyms

lobbyist

American  
[lob-ee-ist] / ˈlɒb i ɪst /

noun

  1. a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest; a member of a lobby.


lobbyist British  
/ ˈlɒbɪɪst /

noun

  1. a person employed by a particular interest to lobby

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of lobbyist

First recorded in 1940–45; lobby + -ist

Explanation

A lobbyist is someone hired by a business or a cause to persuade legislators to support that business or cause. Lobbyists get paid to win favor from politicians. For example, oil companies send lobbyists to Washington to try to make life easier for oil companies. Sometimes they do it by making a great case for their cause, but often it involves fancy dinners and golf outings. If that sounds kind of shady, it is. But remember that women's rights groups and cancer research foundations have lobbyists, too — it's just one way to get your voice heard on the Hill.

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Vocabulary lists containing lobbyist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lobbyist and consultant Kevin Sloat said he and Zaremberg were good friends for nearly 35 years and each other’s sounding board.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2023

Lobbyist Mike Willden's name doesn't appear on the list of people Lombardo appointed to his transition team as he takes the reins from former Gov. Steve Sisolak.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2023

Lobbyist Mike Biagi is a former executive director of the RPK.

From Washington Times • Apr. 6, 2019

Lobbyist Woody Cozad was the only one testifying against the bill.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2018

What a newspaper story she would make—"Society Favorite a Paid Spy"; "Woman Lobbyist Flees Capital."

From A Gentleman from Mississippi by Rhodes, Harrison