lobbies
|lob-bies|
🇺🇸
/ˈlɑːbiz/
🇬🇧
/ˈlɒbiz/
(lobby)
entrance area
Etymology
'lobby' ultimately has an uncertain origin; it is recorded in English from the late Middle English period with forms like 'lobby, lobie' and may be related to Medieval Latin 'lobia' or similar Romance words meaning 'covered walk' or 'gallery'.
'lobby' changed from early senses referring to an antechamber or covered passage in late Middle English into the modern sense 'entrance hall'; in the 19th century the location-based sense (people waiting in a lobby) produced the political sense 'those who try to influence officials' and the verb 'to lobby'.
Initially it referred to a physical anteroom or covered way; over time it developed the figurative/political meaning 'to attempt to influence decision-makers', which is common in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'lobby': entrance halls or reception areas inside public or commercial buildings (places near an entrance where people wait or are received).
The hotel lobbies were decorated with lights and garlands for the holidays.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural of 'lobby': organized groups or people (pressure groups) that try to influence politicians or public policy.
Environmental lobbies pushed for stricter emission standards this year.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/10/06 01:22