public land

noun

: land owned by a government
specifically : that part of the U.S. public domain subject to sale or disposal under the homestead laws

Examples of public land in a Sentence

the management of public lands The government will auction off 20 parcels of public land.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After outrage over a comprehensive public land grab in the West, the sales were removed. Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 The sale of public lands would cover at least 600,000 acres and up to 1.2 million acres, according to a projection from the Center for Western Priorities, a conservation group. Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025 As more public lands embrace co-stewardship models, places like Kasha-Katuwe offer a glimpse into a more thoughtful future — one where conservation, cultural respect and deeper visitor understanding and connection go hand in hand. Erin Gifford, USA Today, 28 June 2025 Don’t give away public land or money without getting real benefits in return. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for public land

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public land was in 1789

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Public land.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20land. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

public land

noun
: land owned by a government
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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