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

Parton tackled public relations glitches with grace when people in her orbit were slower to come around on equity issues. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Joe Favorito, a longtime marketing and public relations official who has done work for the Women’s Tennis Association and the National Women’s Soccer League, said the WNBA desperately needs alignment among all its constituents. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Ghost is seeking Wilson’s invoices and payment records from Nathan and her public relations company, The Agency Group PR (TAG), to determine whether the amount was paid and, if so, to whom. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

The image and public relations dynamic became a more serious concern after the body cam footage of Romo’s arrest became public. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 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