lobby

Meanings

Plural: lobbies

Noun

a large entrance or reception room or area
the people who support some common cause or business or principle or sectional interest
a group of people who try actively to influence legislation
An entryway or reception area; vestibule; passageway; corridor.
That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly.
A class or group of interested people who try to influence public officials; collectively, lobbyists.
A virtual area where players can chat and find opponents for a game.
An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.
A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges, trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.
A margin along either side of the playing field in the sport of kabaddi.
A waiting area in front of a bank of elevators.
lobscouse

Verb

detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors
To attempt to influence (a public official or decision-maker) in favor of a specific opinion or cause.

Origin / Etymology

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.

Synonyms

antechamber, anteroom, buttonhole, entrance hall, foyer, hall, pressure group, third house, vestibule

Scrabble Score: 12

lobby is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
lobby is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
lobby is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

lobby is a valid Words With Friends word