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

Its executives include chief communications officer Dennis Dennehy, Eminem’s longtime publicist and a 1989 U-M graduate. —Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025

Riley Green declined to comment on the deal through his publicist. —Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025

The veteran indie film publicist, and president of MPRM Communications, was working on a deal to sell the company to its senior leaders. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025

Anyone who has ventured into the luxe health food emporium — where sea moss goes to find a publicist — is all too aware of its nosebleed price points. —Nikki Sternberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 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