publicity

noun

pub·​lic·​i·​ty (ˌ)pə-ˈbli-sə-tē 

-ˈbli-stē

1

: the quality or state of being public

2

a

: an act or device designed to attract public interest

specifically : information with news value issued as a means of gaining public attention or support

b

: the dissemination of information or promotional material

c

: paid advertising

d

: public attention or acclaim

Synonyms of publicity

• hype
• advertising
• advertisement

Examples of publicity in a Sentence

His public appearances are good publicity for the new movie.

An arrest for drunk driving is bad publicity for any celebrity.

The film has gotten some good publicity.

She has received a lot of publicity for her latest novel.

The studio spent a lot of money on publicity for the movie.

Recent Examples on the Web

On Wednesday July 22, various Hollywood publicity firms were informed of the protocol change, according to an email obtained by Variety. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

The Office of Professional Standards investigation confirmed threats of physical violence against Alzubi, Western Hills High School staff and other district officials after publicity surrounding her social media posts. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026

Phillips is longtime publicity vet having worked at 20th Century Fox and Miramax, as well as leading comms at 101 Studios. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 July 2026

Defense attorneys said some potential witnesses declined to testify because of the publicity. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicitāt-, pūblicitās, from Latin pūblicus public entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing publicity

• publicity stunt

Rhymes for publicity

• basicity
• chronicity
• complicity
• cyclicity
• duplicity
• ethnicity
• facticity
• felicity
• helicity
• plasticity
• rusticity
• simplicity

Kids Definition

publicity

noun

pub·​lic·​i·​ty (ˌ)pə-ˈblis-ət-ē 

1

: the condition of being public or publicly known

2

: an act or device designed to attract public interest

especially : information with a news value designed to further the interests of a place, person, or cause

3

a

: an action that gains public attention

b

: the attention so gained