publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpə-blə-sist 

1

a

: an expert in international law

b

: an expert or commentator on public affairs

2

: one that publicizes

specifically : press agent

Examples of publicist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Camila Pizarro, a 32-year-old publicist and BTS fan, told CNN that the group’s multidisciplinary prowess lends to their appeal. —Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026

Her publicist turned manager, Billy (Dan Bucatinsky, also an executive producer of the series), has become encased in a bubble of success, too, and is in the midst of floating off into rich-gay megalomania. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026

Deadline understands that Paul has hired Matthew Hiltzik, a crisis management publicist who runs Hiltzik Strategies. —Peter White, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026

After a meeting with one of them goes horribly wrong, Devlin and her publicist Sylvie, another a victim of Hollywood’s censure, find revenge offers a unique albeit gruesome ingredient for Glob’s products. —Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicista, probably from Latin pūblicum in jūs pūblicum "public law" (neuter of pūblicus public entry 1) + -ista -ist entry 1

Note: The Latin word was used in reference to expertise in public law within the Holy Roman Empire, a usage that apparently was extended to international law (traditionally jūs gentium "law of nations"). Earlier adaptations in German (Publicist, now Publizist) and French (publiciste) could be the direct source of the English word. Senses 1b and 2 may be from public(ize) + -ist entry 1.

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpəb-lə-səst 

1

a

: an expert in international law

b

: an expert on public affairs

2

: press agent