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.
The team was in the midst of a fourth consecutive losing season when Jeanie removed Jim, general manager Mitch Kupchak and longtime public relations chief John Black in February 2017. — Law Murray, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 The Town of Bow Mar has hired a law firm and a public relations company to help work on a controversial gate project that would limit access to some roads for drivers in cities that surround the enclave. — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 This Tuesday, August 18, Mathilde Favier, Dior Couture’s longtime director of public relations, died in Airvault, France, in a car accident that also claimed the life of her husband, Nicolas Altmayer. — Laura Tortora, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026 He was hired in 1974 as public relations director for the WHA’s New England Whalers in Hartford, Connecticut. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 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 24 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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