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

Three years later, she was promoted to director of public relations for Klein’s flagship Collections division. —Charles Gandee, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026

Yet these corporations also spend billions of dollars each year on their brand images and public relations in order to attract your consumer dollars. —Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026

The Super Bowl is just the latest volley in a public relations vibe war that has been playing out in increasingly public settings, as both companies fight for market share and prepare to launch behemoth IPOs later this year. —Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 8 Feb. 2026

The Today host is married to Michael Feldman, a communications consultant, public relations professional and former Democratic political aide. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for public relations

• abbreviations
• abominations
• accelerations
• accommodations
• accumulations
• adjudications
• administrations
• adulterations
• affiliations
• agglomerations
• alienations
• amalgamations

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