lobbyist

noun

lob·​by·​ist ˈlä-bē-ist 

plural lobbyists

: one who conducts activities aimed at influencing or swaying public officials and especially members of a legislative body on legislation : a person engaged in lobbying public officials

The new rule says that if you were a registered lobbyist in the past two years, you can't work for the administration on any issue you touched. After you leave government, you can't lobby the administration at all.

—Jacob Weisberg

Because so many lobbyists have past experience on Capitol Hill, they usually have personal ties both to members of congress and to their key staffers, who vet and prioritize the earmark requests.

—Ken Silverstein

Examples of lobbyist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The seismic shift in the tomato trade is the culmination of a 30-year fight that’s grown to include an army of lawyers and lobbyists on both sides of the border. —David Shortell, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 July 2025

Federal prosecutors want former ComEd lobbyist Michael McClain, who was convicted of bribery, to be sentenced to nearly six years in prison. —Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025

While a significant amount of legislation comes to lawmakers through lobbyists pitching their proposals, this one came to Umberg from a baby. —Calmatters, Oc Register, 11 July 2025

Due to an editor’s error, this column was updated to reflect the fact that the House ethics policy does apply to journalists and lobbyists. —Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lobbyist

• hobbyist