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

Family pressure is now part of the pitch a publicist makes to talent. — Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

But the instant results meant that celebrities (and their publicists and stylists) could hover over Shur’s shoulder. — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 21 July 2026

When the publicist said our time was up, Hiddleston stepped out of time and took one more question. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

ProPublica reached out to Tyson through ELEV8 and his Florida publicist but did not get a response. — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 16 July 2026

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