Lobby: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in hotels, theaters, or office buildings. It is a common area people pass through before entering different rooms or areas. It can also imply an area where people wait or meet.

• We can meet in the hotel lobby before heading out to dinner.
• The business executives gathered in the office building's lobby.

Typically used to describe a spacious entry area in a public building like a theater, hotel, or large house. It gives an impression of grandeur and elegance.

• The theater's foyer was decorated with beautiful chandeliers.
• Guests were greeted warmly in the grand foyer of the mansion.

Mostly refers to the area directly inside the main door of a house or a residential building. It's where people first enter and often remove their coats or shoes.

• Please leave your shoes in the entrance hall before coming inside.
• The entrance hall was bright and welcoming, giving a good first impression of the home.

Found in offices, hospitals, or other service-oriented businesses. It is often staffed by a receptionist who assists visitors, making it the first point of contact.

• Please sign in at the reception area when you arrive.
• The clinic's reception area was busy with patients waiting to be seen.

Used to refer to a group of people seeking to influence a politician or public official on a particular issue.

• The environmental lobby is pushing for stricter regulations on carbon emissions.
• The farm lobby is powerful in rural states due to its influence on agricultural policy.

Often used to describe groups that use more direct and sometimes aggressive tactics to influence policy, and can have a somewhat negative connotation.

• The pressure group staged a protest to demand immediate actions on climate change.
• Several pressure groups have been vocal about demanding reforms in the banking sector.

Generally refers to a group of people or organizations that seek to influence public policy based on shared concerns or interests.

• The education interest group lobbied for increased funding for public schools.
• A business interest group held a conference to discuss tax policies affecting small businesses.

Typically used for organizations that promote a specific cause or agenda and try to affect policy decisions in their favor.

• An advocacy group for children's rights campaigned for better healthcare provisions.
• The animal rights advocacy group protested against the use of fur in fashion.

Used when a group or an individual tries to persuade politicians or government officials to support a specific cause or legislation. Often employed in the context of organized efforts by companies or interest groups.

• The company hired a team to lobby Congress for tax reforms.
• Environmental groups are lobbying for stricter pollution controls.

Utilized to describe the capacity to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something or the effect itself. It can have both positive and negative connotations.

• Her speech had a significant influence on the outcome of the vote.
• Money can unduly influence political decisions.

Employed when someone publicly supports or argues for a particular cause or policy, often on a broader scale than lobbying. Advocacy can be both formal and informal.

• She advocates for children's rights.
• The lawyer is a strong advocate for prison reform.

Refers to a formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause. Common in grassroots movements and legal contexts.

• They circulated a petition to stop the new zoning laws.
• The petition was signed by over 10,000 residents.