publication

noun

pub·​li·​ca·​tion ˌpə-blə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce publication (audio)
Synonyms of publicationnext
1
: the act or process of publishing
2
: a published work

Examples of publication in a Sentence

The company specializes in the publication of dictionaries. She has a very impressive list of publications.
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.
Another aspect that adds a layer of complexity is engagement in medical professional societies, publications, research and academics. — Nishtha Sareen, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Lee Marshall, a travel writer who runs the hotel’s in-house publication, Le Sirenuse Journal, tells me. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026 The Food and Drug Administration—which is conducting traceback investigations to identify foods contaminated with the parasite—has not updated its outbreak investigation page since July 24, nearly two weeks ago, as of publication time. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026 Five other Reds prospects appeared in the publication’s list of the top 20 players in the league. — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for publication

Word History

Etymology

Middle English publicacioun "act of making something public, promulgation,'" borrowed from Anglo-French publicacion, borrowed from Latin pūblicātiōn-, pūblicātiō "appropriation by the state, disclosure" (Late Latin, "making generally known, publicizing"), from pūblicāre "to make public property, appropriate to the state, make generally known" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at publish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of publication was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing publication

Rhymes for publication

See All Rhymes for publication

Browse Nearby Words

publicate
publication
public bond
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Cite this Entry

“Publication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/publication. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

publication

noun
pub·​li·​ca·​tion ˌpəb-lə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce publication (audio)
1
: the act or process of publishing
2
: a published work

Legal Definition

publication

noun
pub·​li·​ca·​tion
1
: the act or process of publishing
2
: a published work

More from Merriam-Webster on publication

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for publication

Nglish: Translation of publication for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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