publication

noun

pub·​li·​ca·​tion ˌpə-blə-ˈkā-shən 

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

Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. —Arkansas Online, 21 Apr. 2026

Some publications have questioned the value of paying for pet insurance, arguing the premiums will cost most pet owners more in the long run since expensive accidents that lead to high vet bills are rare. —Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

His 189 celebrity portrait covers helped define the visual identity of the publication throughout the 1970s and ’80s. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing publication

• accept for publication
• pre-publication

Rhymes for publication

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

publication

noun

pub·​li·​ca·​tion ˌpəb-lə-ˈkā-shən 

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