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

Slater’s former top deputy, who also left the Justice Department, publicly warned that antitrust decisions are being influenced by corporate lobbyists — not in the interest of ordinary Americans. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026

The pharmaceutical industry is working to capitalize, according to 10 people, including lobbyists, advisers, FDA officials, and an executive involved in the efforts. —Daniel Payne, STAT, 23 Feb. 2026

Bradley, an attorney with expertise in homeowners association law, played a key role in preventing that legislation, which was promoted and written by Lennar’s lobbyists, from passing. —Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026

In Washington, lobbyists have been arguing that there are other ways to secure the necessary resources for the US. —Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lobbyist

• hobbyist