publicist

noun

pub·li·cist ˈpə-blə-sist

: an expert in international law

: an expert or commentator on public affairs

: one that publicizes

specifically : press agent

Examples of publicist 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.

The room was filled with producers, directors, casting agents, agents, managers and publicists. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026 His publicist reportedly told him not to say more about it during the conversation. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026 This is the somewhat dreadful question the publicist for my book asked. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 Rolling Stone reviewed the Instagram account believed to belong to Combs, which was among the 365 accounts his publicist followed. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for publicist

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicista, probably from Latin pūblicum in jūs pūblicum "public law" (neuter of pūblicus public entry 1) + -ista -ist entry 1

Note: The Latin word was used in reference to expertise in public law within the Holy Roman Empire, a usage that apparently was extended to international law (traditionally jūs gentium "law of nations"). Earlier adaptations in German (Publicist, now Publizist) and French (publiciste) could be the direct source of the English word. Senses 1b and 2 may be from public(ize) + -ist entry 1.

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of publicist was in 1792

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

publicise

publicist

publicity

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Publicist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/publicist. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

publicist

noun

pub·li·cist ˈpəb-lə-səst

: an expert in international law

: an expert on public affairs

: press agent

publicist

noun

Examples of publicist in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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