plural lobbies
1
: a large open area inside and near the entrance of a public building (such as a hotel or theater)
a hotel lobby
I'll meet you in the lobby after the show.
2
: an organized group of people who work together to influence government decisions that relate to a particular industry, issue, etc.
the gun/tobacco lobby
The proposed new law is supported/opposed by the oil lobby.
lobbies; lobbied; lobbying
1
: to try to influence government officials to make decisions for or against something
an organization that has been lobbying for reform of the tax laws
The health-care industry has lobbied against the proposal.
an organization that has been lobbying Congress for reform of the tax laws
—often followed by to + verbThey were lobbying Congress to reform the tax laws.
2
: to try to get something you want by talking to the people who make decisions
She has begun lobbying for an interview. [=trying to get an interview]
a player who has lobbied hard to be included in the team's starting lineup
I lobbied our company for a new computer.
Cite this Entry
“Lobby.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/lobby. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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