What does "lobby" mean?

1. (entrance hall) a large open area just inside the entrance of a public building like a hotel or office. 2. (political interest group) a group of people who try to persuade the government to change a law or support a cause. 3. (virtual waiting area) a digital space where you wait for a video meeting or an online game to start. 4. (to influence officials) to try to persuade a politician or the government to do something.

How do you use "lobby"?

Often used with 'for' or 'against' a specific policy.

lobby

n. · v.

US //ˈɫɑbi// UK //lˈɒbi// lob·by

1 entrance hall (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a large open area just inside the entrance of a public building like a hotel or office.

a large entrance hall or reception area in a public building, typically serving as a transition space.

Example

I will meet you in the hotel lobby at six o'clock.

Example

The architect designed the lobby with high ceilings and marble floors to create an immediate sense of prestige for visiting clients.
- foyer
- vestibule
- entrance hall
2 political interest group (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Politics

a group of people who try to persuade the government to change a law or support a cause.

a group of persons who conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body.

Example

The environmental lobby is pushing for stricter laws on plastic waste.

Example

The tobacco lobby has historically exerted significant influence over legislative processes through extensive campaign contributions and strategic networking.
- interest group
- pressure group

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 virtual waiting area (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

a digital space where you wait for a video meeting or an online game to start.

a virtual area in software applications where users congregate or wait before being admitted to a session or match.

Example

Please wait in the digital lobby until the host starts the webinar.

Example

Players often spend several minutes in the game lobby discussing strategy before the match officially commences.
- waiting room
4 to influence officials (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Politics

to try to persuade a politician or the government to do something.

to conduct activities aimed at influencing public officials or the outcome of a specific vote.

Example

Local residents are lobbying the council for a new park in the neighborhood.

Example

Several non-profit organizations have begun to lobby Parliament for more comprehensive mental health funding in the upcoming budget.

Usage

Often used with 'for' or 'against' a specific policy.
- pressurize
- campaign
- persuade

Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

Shortened from lobscouse.

Word family

Nounlobby
Nounlobbyist