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.
But that might not be enough to mitigate what could be a public relations fallout, Isle argues. — Martina Di Licosa, CBS News, 31 July 2026 According to Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa’s Produce, the company has been selling Hatch chiles and related products for over 20 years. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026 At Nebraska, Johnson was a dual major — public relations and advertising. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026 In 2025 Likud attempted to appoint Netanyahu to a public relations position on the board of the World Zionist Organization, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to promoting Zionism. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 July 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 5 Aug. 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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