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

That case comes after Jonathan Hay, a music publicist who spoke extensively to CNN last year, accused Combs of masturbating in front of him on one occasion in 2020 and forced him to perform oral sex on him in 2021. —Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 11 June 2026

Eldest daughter Abby is recently divorced, and coming to grips with being a single mother, while Paige is an ambitious NYC publicist thrown completely out of her element in Wyoming. —Cat Cardenas, Variety, 10 June 2026

The late fashion publicist was famously a fan of the Japanese designer. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Paul Rudd married Julie Yaeger, a former publicist, in 2003. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 June 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