publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpə-blə-sist 

1

a

: an expert in international law

b

: an expert or commentator on public affairs

2

: one that publicizes

specifically : press agent

Examples of publicist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include his longtime manager, Ron (Adam Sandler), and his publicist, Liz (Laura Dern), who take this latest complication in stride, at least at first. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025

Lively is scheduled to go to trial next March in her lawsuit against co-star and director Justin Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, studio head Steve Sarowitz, and their publicists. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025

Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit — which accused Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist of extortion and defamation — was dismissed by the judge on June 9. —Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

For producer Dan Gore and publicist Nicholas Lindholm, the move to Orange County felt overdue. —Holly Alvarado, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicista, probably from Latin pūblicum in jūs pūblicum "public law" (neuter of pūblicus public entry 1) + -ista -ist entry 1

Note: The Latin word was used in reference to expertise in public law within the Holy Roman Empire, a usage that apparently was extended to international law (traditionally jūs gentium "law of nations"). Earlier adaptations in German (Publicist, now Publizist) and French (publiciste) could be the direct source of the English word. Senses 1b and 2 may be from public(ize) + -ist entry 1.

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpəb-lə-səst 

1

a

: an expert in international law

b

: an expert on public affairs

2

: press agent