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

Texas Tech went all in to defend its new quarterback amid substantial public relations backlash. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Owen runs a big international public relations agency and Ferri is a filmmaker. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

The fee award does not cover any costs associated with her own suit, which entailed extensive depositions, other discovery, document review, motion practice, and public relations. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 June 2026

The state also ranks fourth in the nation for childhood poverty and hunger, according to Katie Ruth Camp, the organization's vice president of marketing and public relations. — Joshua Cole, CBS News, 24 June 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