What does LOBBY mean?

Parts of Speech

Lobby is a noun and a verb.

Definitions

As a noun, lobby refers to a room near the entrance of a building, used for waiting or for meeting people. As a verb, lobby means to try to influence a politician or official on an issue.

Pronunciations

US: /ˈlɑbi/

UK: /ˈlɒbi/

Origin and Usage

Lobby comes from the medieval Latin word "lobium," meaning "a covered walk in a monastery." The word evolved to refer to a waiting room in a building, particularly a government building where people waited to speak to officials. The verb form of lobby emerged in the 1800s, as people began to use the term to describe efforts to influence politicians or officials.

Synonyms

As a noun, synonyms for lobby include entrance hall, foyer, vestibule, and anteroom. As a verb, synonyms for lobby include influence, persuade, and petition.

Related Words

Related five letter words include bobby, cobby, lobby, and robbi.

Example Sentences

• The lobby of the hotel was filled with people waiting to check in.
• The group hired a lobbyist to try to influence the senators vote on the bill.