public relations

noun

plural in form but usually singular in construction

often attributive

: the business of inducing the public to have understanding for and goodwill toward a person, firm, or institution

also : the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved

Examples of public relations in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Josue Pasillas, the city’s assistant public relations director, said 400 people preregistered for the polar plunge and the other 215 came Thursday to join the effort. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

This is likely deliberate to prevent China from taking a public relations victory. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Jan. 2026

The 28-year-old wanted to combine her previous experience in sports public relations with her skills working with kids. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025

Maines worked in conjunction with Method Communications, the outside firm retained to support Meghan and Harry's communications efforts, and largely handled the duchess' public relations work. —Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for public relations

• abbreviations
• abominations
• accelerations
• accommodations
• accumulations
• adjudications
• administrations
• adulterations
• affiliations
• agglomerations
• alienations
• amalgamations

Kids Definition

public relations

noun

1

: the business of creating public goodwill for a person, firm, or institution

2

: the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved