What does lobbying mean?
Lobbying is the practice of trying to influence decisions made by governments, public authorities, businesses, or other organizations. It commonly involves persuading elected representatives, civil servants, executives, or other influential people to support a policy, contract, or course of action. Lobbying can take open and highly organized forms, such as petition campaigns, public consultations, and meetings with officials, as well as less visible approaches based on personal relationships or indirect pressure. The term is especially associated with professional representatives called lobbyists, who may work for industries, advocacy organizations, political campaigns, or public-interest groups. Because the word can imply sustained attempts to secure a favorable decision, it sometimes carries a negative connotation, particularly when the influence appears disproportionate to the public interest. Even so, lobbying is a normal feature of democratic and administrative life. The word derives from the older sense of a “lobby,” originally a covered passage or gallery, before the building became a place where members of the public could meet and seek access to decision-makers.
The activity of seeking to influence the decisions of government, public authorities, or other organizations, especially by persuading officials or influential people.
"The industry responded to the proposed regulations with intensive lobbying."
The word is commonly used in political, commercial, and organizational contexts and may suggest either legitimate advocacy or improper use of personal influence, depending on context.
To try to influence the decisions or actions of officials, an organization, or another party, especially by persuading people with decision-making power.
"Delegates lobbied members of the committee for an exception to the new rule."
The verb often implies repeated or determined efforts to secure a particular outcome, but it does not by itself indicate that the activity was covert or unlawful.
Rare; “lobbying” is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The report documented separate lobbyings by competing industry groups."
The word “lobby” once described a covered passage; it came to mean a place of influence, and then the activity we still call lobbying.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lobbying come from?
The word comes from late Middle English lobie, meaning a covered walk or gallery, borrowed from Old French lobie and medieval Latin lobium. Its architectural meaning later shifted to an entrance hall or antechamber, especially in a theatre, hotel, or legislative building. The political sense developed from the idea of meeting or exerting influence in such a lobby, giving rise both to the verb “to lobby” and the related term “lobbyist.”
Related word forms
How lobbying is actually used
Lobbying is not necessarily secret or improper: public petitions, meetings with officials, and organized advocacy campaigns are all forms of lobbying. In general usage, the word can also suggest influence exercised through personal access or indirect pressure, sometimes with an implication of excessive or questionable persuasion.