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.
There is a focus on the other side of motorsports, where students learn skills such as marketing and public relations, social media, cultivating sponsorships, setting and managing a budget, and finding ways to generate revenue to help fund the program. Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 Laura Eyi, the group's public relations manager, acknowledges members often don't agree with each other, but their religion keeps them connected. Saige Miller, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025 The department’s public relations office did not respond to Variety’s request for information about the LAFS settlement. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 That felt most true during the last 12 months, said a former public relations manager. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 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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