lobby

American  

[lob-ee] / ˈlɒb i /

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.

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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 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

• lobbyer noun
• unlobbied adjective
• unlobbying adjective

Etymology

Origin of lobby

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

Example Sentences

Banking lobby groups, however, have argued that granting trust charters could heighten systemic risk and undermine the credibility of the charter itself.

From The Wall Street Journal

Barger was credited for lobbying to get the space cleared after the fire, before the Army Corps of Engineers’ debris removal plan included places of worship.

From Los Angeles Times

In the lobby of their hotel, the evacuees would gather for happy hours.

From Los Angeles Times

She has lobbied ministers on issues such as a minimum learning period for new drivers, restrictions on passenger numbers they can transport and rules around driving at night.

From BBC

A check-in kiosk in the lobby spit out our orange water-park passes and saved me from standing in line at the front desk.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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