First Known Use: 1593
Dictionary
1lobby
noun lob·by \ˈlä-bē\
: a large open area inside and near the entrance of a public building (such as a hotel or theater)
: an organized group of people who work together to influence government decisions that relate to a particular industry, issue, etc.
plural lobbies
Full Definition of LOBBY
1
: a corridor or hall connected with a larger room or series of rooms and used as a passageway or waiting room: as a : an anteroom of a legislative chamber; especially : one of two anterooms of a British parliamentary chamber to which members go to vote during a division b : a large hall serving as a foyer (as of a hotel or theater)
2
: a group of persons engaged in lobbying especially as representatives of a particular interest group
See lobby defined for English-language learners
See lobby defined for kids
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Origin of LOBBY
Medieval Latin lobium gallery, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German louba porch
Other Architecture Terms
2lobby
verb
: to try to influence government officials to make decisions for or against something
: to try to get something you want by talking to the people who make decisions
lob·biedlob·by·ing
Full Definition of LOBBY
intransitive verb
: to conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body on legislation
transitive verb
1
: to promote (as a project) or secure the passage of (as legislation) by influencing public officials
2
: to attempt to influence or sway (as a public official) toward a desired action
— lob·by·er noun
— lob·by·ism \-ˌi-zəm\ noun
— lob·by·ist \-ist\ noun
See lobby defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LOBBY
1837
Rhymes with LOBBY
LOBBYING Defined for Kids
lobby
noun lob·by \ˈlä-bē\
plural lobbies
Definition of LOBBY for Kids
: a hall or entry especially when large enough to serve as a waiting room <a hotel lobby>
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