Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

in public

idiom

Definition of in public

: in a place where one can be seen by many people : in a public place
  • The former actress is now rarely seen in public.
  • They were seen kissing in public.

Word by Word Definitions

public play

  1. : exposed to general view : open

  2. : well-known, prominent

  3. : perceptible, material

  1. : a place accessible or visible to the public

  2. : the people as a whole : populace

  3. : a group of people having common interests or characteristics

See the full definition of public

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up in public? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games