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
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.
Forbes Communications Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Jamie Elkaleh, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 There is also a potential public relations headache to deal with should another team sign him. Brian Wacker, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025 Paul Abrams is the director of public relations and spokesman for Roto-Rooter Services Company, a plumbing and water cleanup business. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025 Ultimately, what you’re left with is a truer account of a person’s life, one not airbrushed by their public relations team, one not bleached of anything unsavory. Brendan O’Meara 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for public relations

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public relations was in 1898

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Cite this Entry

“Public relations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20relations. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on public relations

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