Difference Wiki

Lobby vs. Gallery

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 20, 2023
A "lobby" is an entrance hall or waiting area, while a "gallery" is a space for displaying art or a tier of seats in a theater.

Key Differences

From a grammatical perspective, both "lobby" and "gallery" function as nouns. While "lobby" can also be used as a verb in the context of political advocacy, "gallery" remains strictly a noun.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
The word "lobby" could refer to both a physical space and an activity (lobbying), while "gallery" pertains specifically to a venue for artistic or spectator display. "Lobby" as an activity refers to the act of trying to influence policymakers, which is not a function associated with a "gallery."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
"Lobby" and "gallery" may sometimes intersect when a lobby area also serves as an exhibition space for art. However, the primary function of a lobby is as a waiting or reception area, whereas a gallery is designed primarily for public viewing of artwork or as spectator seating.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
The term "lobby" is widely used in various settings, including hotels, office buildings, and legislative bodies. "Gallery," on the other hand, is a term more commonly associated with art exhibitions, museums, or specific seating areas in theaters or legislative chambers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
ParagraphA "lobby" primarily refers to an entrance hall or reception area in a building where people can gather or wait. A "gallery," on the other hand, is often a room or building dedicated to the exhibition of artwork or artifacts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Comparison Chart

Primary Function

Entrance or waiting area
Exhibition space or spectator seating
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
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Grammatical Role

Noun, can be a verb
Strictly a noun
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Common Settings

Hotels, offices, legislative chambers
Art museums, theaters, legislative chambers
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Associated Activities

Waiting, gathering, lobbying
Viewing art, spectating
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Additional Meanings

Political advocacy
None
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

Lobby and Gallery Definitions

Lobby

Reception area
The lobby is decorated for the holidays.
Janet White
Sep 20, 2023

Gallery

Art exhibition space
The gallery features modern art.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
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Lobby

Advocacy group
The gun lobby is influential.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

Gallery

Balcony in a theater or courtroom
The gallery was full during the trial.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Lobby

Waiting area
The hotel lobby is spacious.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Gallery

A roofed promenade, especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported by arches or columns on the outer side.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

Political activity
To lobby is to try to influence policymakers.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

Gallery

A long enclosed passage, such as a hallway or corridor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
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Lobby

A hall, foyer, or waiting room at or near the entrance to a building, such as a hotel or theater.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A narrow balcony, usually having a railing or balustrade, along the outside of a building.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

A public room next to the assembly chamber of a legislative body.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A projecting or recessed passageway along an upper story on the interior or exterior of a large building, generally marked by a colonnade or arcade.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

A group of persons engaged in trying to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of a specific cause
The banking lobby.
The labor lobby.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

Such a passageway situated over the aisle of a church and opening onto the nave. Also called tribune2.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

To try to influence the thinking of legislators or other public officials for or against a specific cause
Lobbying for stronger environmental safeguards.
Lobbied against the proliferation of nuclear arms.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

Southwestern Gulf States See veranda.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

To try to influence public officials on behalf of or against (proposed legislation, for example)
Lobbied the bill through Congress.
Lobbied the bill to a negative vote.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

An upper section, often with a sloping floor, projecting from the rear or side walls of a theater or an auditorium to provide additional seating.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

To try to influence (an official) to take a desired action.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

The seats in such a section, usually cheaper than those on the main floor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

An entryway or reception area; vestibule; passageway; corridor.
I had to wait in the lobby for hours before seeing the doctor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

The cheapest seats in a theater, generally those of the uppermost gallery.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

The audience occupying a gallery or cheap section of a theater.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

(politics) A class or group of interested people who try to influence public officials; collectively, lobbyists.
The influence of the tobacco lobby has decreased considerably in the US.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A large audience or group of spectators, as at a tennis or golf match.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

(video games) A virtual area where players can chat and find opponents for a game.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

The general public, usually considered as exemplifying a lack of discrimination or sophistication
Accused the administration of playing to the gallery on the defense issue.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

(nautical) An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A building, room, or website for the exhibition of artistic work.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges, trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

An establishment that displays and sells works of art.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

A margin along either side of the playing field in the sport of kabaddi.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A photographer's studio.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

(when preceded by "elevator") A waiting area in front of a bank of elevators.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A collection; an assortment
The trial featured a gallery of famous and flamboyant witnesses.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

(West Midlands) lobscouse
My mam cooked us lobby for tea last night.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

An underground tunnel or passageway, as in a cave or one dug for military or mining purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

To attempt to influence (a public official or decision-maker) in favor of a specific opinion or cause.
For years, pro-life groups have continued to lobby hard for restrictions on abortion.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A tunnel or series of tunnels made by an animal.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

A passage or hall of communication, especially when large enough to serve also as a waiting room. It differs from an antechamber in that a lobby communicates between several rooms, an antechamber to one only; but this distinction is not carefully preserved.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

(Nautical) A platform or balcony at the stern or quarters of some early sailing ships.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly; hence, the persons, collectively, who frequent such a place to transact business with the legislators;
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A decorative upright trimming or molding along the edge of a table top, tray, or shelf.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

An institution, building, or room for the exhibition and conservation of works of art.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges. trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

An establishment that buys, sells, and displays works of art.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

To address or solicit members of a legislative body in the lobby or elsewhere, with the purpose to influence their votes; in an extended sense, to try to influence decision-makers in any circumstance.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

The uppermost seating area projecting from the rear or side walls of a theater, concert hall, or auditorium.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

To urge the adoption or passage of by soliciting members of a legislative body; as, to lobby a bill; - also used with the legislators as object; as, to lobby the state legislatuire for protection.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

The spectators of an event, collectively.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

A large entrance or reception room or area
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

(legal) The, often elevated and in the rear, part of a courtroom where seating for the public audience is facilitated during trial.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

A group of people who try actively to influence legislation
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A roofed promenade, especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported by arches or columns on the outer side
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

Detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

(computing) A browsable collection of images, font styles, etc.
A gallery of image thumbnails
A clip-art gallery in a wordprocessor
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Lobby

Entrance hall in a building
Please wait in the lobby.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Gallery

(fortification) A covered passage cut through the earth or masonry.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

(mining) A level or drive in a mine.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

(automotive) A channel that carries engine oil to parts of the engine that need lubrication, such as the main bearings.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

(television) The production control room.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A part of a monocle, a projection off the ring holding the lens, which helps secure the monocle in the eye socket.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

(entomology) The boring trails produced by an insector only beetles? in wood.
Beetle gallery
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

(Trinidad and Tobago) To show off.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A long and narrow corridor, or place for walking; a connecting passageway, as between one room and another; also, a long hole or passage excavated by a boring or burrowing animal.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A room for the exhibition of works of art; as, a picture gallery; hence, also, a large or important collection of paintings, sculptures, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A long and narrow platform attached to one or more sides of public hall or the interior of a church, and supported by brackets or columns; - sometimes intended to be occupied by musicians or spectators, sometimes designed merely to increase the capacity of the hall.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A frame, like a balcony, projecting from the stern or quarter of a ship, and hence called stern gallery or quarter gallery, - seldom found in vessels built since 1850.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

Any communication which is covered overhead as well as at the sides. When prepared for defense, it is a defensive gallery.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A working drift or level.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

Spectators at a golf or tennis match
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A room or series of rooms where works of art are exhibited
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A long usually narrow room used for some specific purpose;
Shooting gallery
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A covered corridor (especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported with arches or columns)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

Narrow recessed balcony area along an upper floor on the interior of a building; usually marked by a colonnade
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

A horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine;
They dug a drift parallel with the vein
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023

Gallery

Room for displaying artifacts
The gallery has a new exhibit on ancient Egypt.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023

Gallery

Tiered seating area
We sat in the gallery at the opera.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

Gallery

Collection of images
The online gallery showcases her photography.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023

FAQs

What is a "lobby"?

A lobby is an entrance hall or waiting area in a building.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Can "lobby" be a verb?

Yes, "lobby" can also refer to the act of political advocacy.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Where can you find a "lobby"?

In hotels, offices, and legislative chambers, among other places.
Janet White
Sep 20, 2023

What is a "gallery"?

A gallery is a space for displaying art or a tier of seats in a theater.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Is "gallery" ever a verb?

No, "gallery" is strictly a noun.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Can a "lobby" also be a "gallery"?

Sometimes, if artwork is displayed in a lobby.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Where can you find a "gallery"?

In art museums, theaters, and legislative chambers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Is "lobby" used in a political context?

Yes, it can refer to political advocacy or an advocacy group.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023

Can a "gallery" also be a "lobby"?

Unlikely, as a gallery is primarily for displaying art or spectator seating.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Is "gallery" used in a political context?

Rarely, except as a spectator area in legislative chambers.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

What is the main function of a "lobby"?

To serve as an entrance or waiting area.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023

What are some synonyms for "gallery"?

Exhibition space, art museum, viewing area.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

Can "lobby" have multiple meanings?

Yes, it can refer to a physical space, an advocacy group, or the act of lobbying.
Janet White
Sep 20, 2023

What is the main function of a "gallery"?

To exhibit art or provide spectator seating.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023

What are some synonyms for "lobby"?

Entrance hall, foyer, vestibule.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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