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

Aquil is a former director of public relations for the Islamic Center of San Diego and a freelance writer living in San Diego. —Muhammad Aquil, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026

On May 14, a Kansas City public relations firm sent emails to local content creators and media outlets. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026

Grubbs has been with Johnston & Murphy since 1999, when her journey with the company began as the wholesale marketing and public relations manager. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 2 June 2026

Yet Israel’s capture of the fort, observers say, is more a public relations victory than a military one. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 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