publication

noun

pub·​li·​ca·​tion ˌpə-blə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce publication (audio)
Synonyms of publicationnext
1
: the act or process of publishing
2
: a published work

Examples of publication in a Sentence

The company specializes in the publication of dictionaries. She has a very impressive list of publications.
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.
Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process, and do not review stories before publication. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026 Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026 Prices may change from date of publication. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026 The publication reported that both were there to obtain protective orders against Taylor. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for publication

Word History

Etymology

Middle English publicacioun "act of making something public, promulgation,'" borrowed from Anglo-French publicacion, borrowed from Latin pūblicātiōn-, pūblicātiō "appropriation by the state, disclosure" (Late Latin, "making generally known, publicizing"), from pūblicāre "to make public property, appropriate to the state, make generally known" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at publish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of publication was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Publication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/publication. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

publication

noun
pub·​li·​ca·​tion ˌpəb-lə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce publication (audio)
1
: the act or process of publishing
2
: a published work

Legal Definition

publication

noun
pub·​li·​ca·​tion
1
: the act or process of publishing
2
: a published work

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