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

This annual awards competition is under the direction of CORE, a division of the American Library Association and recognizes the best public relations materials produced by libraries across the Nation. —Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 11 June 2026

An email Friday from Margie Terp, Rifle Paper’s senior manager for public relations and brand marketing, said the company had no comment. —Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026

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

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