Lobby Meaning
/ˈlɒb.i/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAn entryway or reception area; vestibule; passageway; corridor.
nounThat part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly.
Sentence Examples
I'll meet you in the lobby at three.
You're not supposed to wear your slippers down to the lobby.
Farmers will lobby Congress for higher subsidies.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The hotel's spacious ____ was decorated with chandeliers and marble floors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We waited in the hotel ____ for a few minutes while our room was being prepared by the cleaning staff.
Word Origin & History
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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Policing the relationship between government and business in a free society is difficult. Businesspeople have every right to lobby governments, and civil servants to take jobs in the private sector."
— 2013 August 10, Schumpeter, “Cronies and capitols”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8848:
""We're still at only 80% [of pre-pandemic passenger numbers], but it's great news that Southeastern put some more trains in the timetable from December," Perry explains. "We worked very closely with Southeastern to lobby government and stakeholders to increase the timetable."
— 2024 January 24, Dyan Perry talks to Nick Brodrick, “The industry has given me so much”, in RAIL, number 1001, page 45:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The hotel's spacious ____ was decorated with chandeliers and marble floors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We waited in the hotel ____ for a few minutes while our room was being prepared by the cleaning staff.