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

On the fall film-festival circuit, Lee had a dozen-plus publicists and a dedicated English interpreter; the cast appeared on red carpets and magazine covers. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Those lists are mighty useful for publicists and for in-the-know travelers who love that zeitgeist zest – but, personally, my favorite bar of 2026 is an Irish pub in North London with a pool table, karaoke and 10 flavors of Baileys. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

The annual awards celebrate Local 600 publicists, unit still photographers, outstanding 2025 TV and film publicity campaigns, and the year’s best entertainment journalists. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

After years as a publicist to a myriad of reality television personalities, Antonio Postorino is taking a seat in the producer’s chair by debuting the unscripted production company, POV Studios. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 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