public relations

noun, plural in form but usually singular in construction, often attributive

Definition of public relations

: 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

At the time, Mr. Earle, a onetime broadcaster and college professor, was working in public relations for GE’s corporate office. — Matt Schudel, Washington Post, "Robert Earle, host of popular TV quiz show ‘General Electric College Bowl,’ dies at 93," 9 June 2019 MaryBeth Searles, director of marketing and public relations at Witham, said that in addition to a constant quest for improvement, the company also shows sincere dedication to staff. — Witham Health Services, Indianapolis Star, "At Witham, top-tier care comes with the comfort of community," 7 June 2019 The fallout would erupt on social media and drop a public relations nightmare on the fledgling business. — oregonlive.com, "West Coast Grocery fights to right ship after rough launch: Portland Breweries Series," 7 June 2019 The agency’s director of public relations and social media, Tara Chozet, said Thursday that such issues would be addressed in a statement, but none was ready by the end of the day. — Jon Lender, courant.com, "Jon Lender: Lottery’s survey finds distrust by some employees who view agency as 'secretive’ or 'North Korea-like’," 7 June 2019 For more information, contact Kelli Williams, director of public relations, at 303-486-3738. — Kelli Williams, The Denver Post, "Located in Littleton, 395 Shadycroft Drive is a charming, dream-like estate," 6 June 2019 After his discharge, Smith worked for a public relations firm in Miami Beach. — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, "Services Friday for ‘Radio Bob’ Smith, broadcaster and station owner," 6 June 2019 Julién Godman, the Detroit Weird Homes public relations coordinator, said Weird Homes tries to keep the tour close to the city so participants don't have to drive far, but is open to houses in some nearby suburbs. — Emma Keith, Detroit Free Press, "See inside Detroit's most eccentric houses on upcoming Weird Homes Tour," 5 June 2019 The industry’s troubles mean big paydays for the lawyers, political operatives and public relations experts hired to ward off regulations, investigations and lawsuits that could curtail the companies’ huge profits. — New York Times, "Tech Giants Amass a Lobbying Army for an Epic Washington Battle," 5 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'public relations.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

12 Jun 2019

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The first known use of public relations was in 1898

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More Definitions for public relations

public relations

noun

English Language Learners Definition of public relations

: the activity or job of providing information about a particular person or organization to the public so that people will regard that person or organization in a favorable way

: the relationship between an organization and the public