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.
Just after marking his sixth month in office, Trump is facing arguably the biggest public relations crisis of his second term as his base has broken with him over the Justice Department’s refusal to release documents detailing its investigation into Epstein. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 The union said the district is overspending on things such as legal services, public relations and consulting. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 Some 165 others were left injured, according to the armed forces public relations directorate (ISPR), many with severe burns. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 22 July 2025 The Bangladesh Army’s public relations office confirmed that the jet that crashed was a F-7 BGI aircraft belonging to the Air Force, per the AP. Escher Walcott, People.com, 21 July 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 29 Jul. 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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