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

Jeff Shell has been sued by a former public relations advisor who says the Paramount Skydance president reneged on a deal involving a TV show. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 9 Mar. 2026

Both the company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, and the families of the six clients who were killed have hired a public relations firm. —Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

In a statement given to the team’s public relations staff, Tavai thanked his teammates for their support during the year. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

The story’s correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi accused CBS News management of placating the White House, turning the decision into a public relations fiasco for the network. —Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

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