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.
Other ideas include laying off public relations workers in the city’s Communications Department and allowing digital billboards in the city. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025 According to travel public relations company ASA Luxury’s Travel Trends Report 2025, 58 percent of Gen Z women expressed an interest in traveling abroad alone, and 83 percent said they were inspired to do so by social media influencers and celebrities. Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025 Finally, public relations and events round out the picture with another 5% to 10%, focused on visibility, credibility and relationship-building across your industry. Stephen Spratley, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Similarly, much of Swift’s success has come from relying more on public relations than litigation to assert her ownership. Time, 5 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Public relations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20relations. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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

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