lobby
pronunciation
How to pronounce lobby in British English:
UK [ˈlɒbi]
How to pronounce lobby in American English:
US [ˈlɑːbi]
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- Noun:
- a large entrance or reception room or area
- a group of people who try actively to influence legislation
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- Verb:
- detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors
Word Origin
- lobby
- lobby: see lodge
- lobby (n.)
- 1530s, "cloister, covered walk," from Medieval Latin laubia, lobia "covered walk in a monastery," from a Germanic source (compare Old High German louba "hall, roof;" see lodge (n.)). Meaning "large entrance hall in a public building" is from 1590s. Political sense of "those who seek to influence legislation" is attested by 1790s in American English, in reference to the custom of influence-seekers gathering in large entrance-halls outside legislative chambers.
- lobby (v.)
- "seek to influence legislation," 1826, American English, from lobby (n.). Related: Lobbied; lobbying.
Synonym
Example
- 1. So why would the rich not lobby against it ?
- 2. The hotel lobby was a mess of glass and bricks .
- 3. The lobby is the hotel 's least satisfying feature .
- 4. The preservation lobby is stronger these days .
- 5. That suits the environmental lobby just fine .