lobby
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a large open area just inside the entrance of a public building like a hotel or office.
n.a large entrance hall or reception area in a public building, typically serving as a transition space.
Simple“I will meet you in the hotel lobby at six o'clock.”
In context“The architect designed the lobby with high ceilings and marble floors to create an immediate sense of prestige for visiting clients.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a group of people who try to persuade the government to change a law or support a cause.
n.a group of persons who conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body.
Simple“The environmental lobby is pushing for stricter laws on plastic waste.”
In context“The tobacco lobby has historically exerted significant influence over legislative processes through extensive campaign contributions and strategic networking.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a digital space where you wait for a video meeting or an online game to start.
n.a virtual area in software applications where users congregate or wait before being admitted to a session or match.
Simple“Please wait in the digital lobby until the host starts the webinar.”
In context“Players often spend several minutes in the game lobby discussing strategy before the match officially commences.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
v.to try to persuade a politician or the government to do something.
v.to conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials or the outcome of a specific vote.
Simple“Local residents are lobbying the council for a new park in the neighborhood.”
In context“Several non-profit organizations have begun to lobby Parliament for more comprehensive mental health funding in the upcoming budget.”
UsageOften used with 'for' or 'against' a specific policy.
Usage lobby group
“The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, a statewide housing finance authority that awards those credits to developers, lobbied Congress for the change .”
“The organisation, set up in 2008 as a lobby group for clubs around the continent, now has well over 800 members although only a minority hold full voting rights.”
From Medieval Latin lobia, lobium, laubia (“a portico, covered way, gallery”), borrowed from Frankish *laubijā (“arbour, shelter”), related to Old English lēaf (“foliage”). More at leaf. Doublet of leaf, lodge, and loggia. Political sense derives from the entrance hall of legislatures, where people traditionally tried to influence legislators because it was the most convenient place to meet them.
Shortened from lobscouse.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.