public relations

noun

plural in form but usually singular in construction
often attributive
: the business of inducing the public to have understanding for and goodwill toward a person, firm, or institution
also : the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved

Examples of public relations in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Davis is co-founder and partner at the law firm Davis Goldberg & Galper PLLC and public relations firm Trident DMG. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 For her, this marked a turning point, when environmental responsibility shifted from public relations into a defining expression of corporate identity. — Connie Etemadi, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026 The new complaints allege that recommendation was overruled by the company's global affairs team, led by veteran political strategist Lehane, which is responsible for public relations, public policy and political relationships. — Shannon Bond, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 This hermetic secrecy is how Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen and I recently found ourselves in the bathroom of a suite in the Aman hotel on New York’s Fifth Avenue, brushing our teeth while members of the Dyson public relations team looked on. — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public relations

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public relations was in 1898

Rhymes for public relations

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Browse Nearby Words

public prosecutor
public relations
public rights
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Cite this Entry

“Public relations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20relations. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

public relations

noun
1
: the business of creating public goodwill for a person, firm, or institution
2
: the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved

More from Merriam-Webster on public relations

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public relations

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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