public figure

noun

: a well-known person

Examples of public figure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Giuggioli Firth isn't the only public figure to refuse or return honors from the British crown. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

A lot goes into becoming a public figure and building a brand, and nothing happens overnight. —Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

To be a public figure is to be at risk, and both political leaders and entertainers have long been subjected to threats, stalking, and even assassinations by unwell people who have developed an obsession with them from afar. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025

Social media outrage over someone celebrating a violent assault against a public figure isn’t a new phenomenon and has transcended political lines, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s Adam Goldstein has argued. —Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025

Rhymes for public figure

• reconfigure
• configure
• disfigure
• prefigure

Legal Definition

public figure

noun

public fig·​ure

: an individual or entity that has acquired fame or notoriety or has participated in a particular public controversy see also limited purpose public figure compare public official

Note: A public figure must prove actual malice in order to prevail in a defamation action.