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View synonyms for

lobby

[ lob-ee ]

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.


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

/ ˈɒɪ /

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 calleddivision 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
“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

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)
“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

lobby

  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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Derived Forms

  • ˈDz, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • Dzb· noun
  • ܲ·Dzb adjective
  • ܲ·Dzb·Բ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of lobby1

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

Origin of lobby1

C16: from Medieval Latin lobia portico, from Old High German lauba arbor, from laub leaf
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

A spokeswoman for the business lobby group the CBI said the ruling did not change the fact that all employers should strive to provide an inclusive workplace while complying with the law.

From

That has led to a major lobbying effort on Hollywood’s part.

From

Mr Briggs said Alexander had shown "enormous personal kindness" over the years, and "courage and commitment" in going up against a "strong" cycling lobby to push for the change.

From

Speaking to the BBC's Today programme, Mr Paphitis said retailers had been lobbying government "for a very, very long time", arguing the rule had had devasting impact "on our retail landscape and our high streets".

From

The unions of electrical workers who install and repair equipment built by Edison and other electric companies are lobbying to get the bill passed.

From

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