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.
Forbes Communications Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Dave Minifie, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Arons, meanwhile, landed public relations jobs with women’s clothing brand JG Hook and the French fashion house, Marithe Francois Girbaud. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2025 That includes eliminating $7.8 million for KSC — the most of any space center’s public relations budgets. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025 West is not known to be working with a public relations representative at this time and CNN was not able to contact him. Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 12 June 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 25 Jun. 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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