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.
The Christmas Market is the brainchild of Hayes and Marcia Wayer, Oak Creek’s marketing and public relations director, according to Kelly Shoff, the city’s marketing communications manager. Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 5 Dec. 2025 Maybe even a grand national debate and public relations project on the subject. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 Nina Thompson, director of public relations for SDHS, said the organization was unable to quickly provide earlier citation data specific to MacArthur Park. Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025 As Major William Cage, Cruise plays an army public relations officer who finds himself up on the frontlines of war for humanity's survival against a vicious race of invading aliens known as ‘Mimics’. Ian Stokes, Space.com, 26 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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