public figure

noun

: a well-known person

Examples of public figure in a Sentence

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The journey has also led Leavitt to consider how — and whether — politics should factor into her life as a public figure. Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026 She was convicted of all four felony charges -- attempting to influence a public figure and three counts of forgery, the Denver District Attorney's Office said. Austen Erblat, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 As a public figure, so many people follow and listen to my every word. Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 27 Jan. 2026 That scrutiny should not extend to my children or any other child of a public figure. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public figure

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“Public figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20figure. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

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.

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