NYT Dictionary

LOBBY

/ˈlɑ.bi/
NounVerbLOB-bylob-by · 2 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

An entryway or reception area; vestibule; passageway; corridor.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *lewbʰ-der.? Proto-Germanic *laubą Proto-West Germanic *laub Proto-Germanic *-jô Proto-West Germanic *-jō Frankish *laubijābor. Medieval Latin laubiabor. English lobby 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 & Antonyms

Synonyms

special interestcowyardpaddockanteroomantechamberhallfoyervestibulebuttonholeaccess

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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