lobby

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An entryway or reception area; vestibule; passageway; corridor.

   I had to wait in the lobby for hours before seeing the doctor.

2. 2
   noun

   A class or group of interested people who try to influence public officials; collectively, lobbyists.

   Near-synonym: special interest

3. 3
   noun

   A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges, trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.

   Near-synonyms: cowyard, paddock

4. 4
   noun

   A waiting area in front of a bank of elevators.

   Ranger Leslie Thompson, assigned to elevator duty, brought the elevator to the surface about 12:30 to bring down the tourists who were in the lobby of the elevator tower at that time.

5. 5
   verb

   To attempt to influence (a public official or decision-maker) in favor of a specific opinion or cause.

   For years, pro-life groups have continued to lobby hard for restrictions on abortion.

6. 6
   noun

   lobscouse

   My mam cooked us lobby for tea last night.

7. 7
   noun

   a large entrance or reception room or area

8. 8
   noun

   a group of people who try actively to influence legislation

Etymology

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.