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

Doting power publicists often send out a full cake to clients. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

The publicist shared with Reuters a letter that the actor sent to Didier Bremond, mayor of Brignoles, expressing his concerns as many regions of France battle wildfires. — Reuters, NBC news, 30 July 2026

Montag reportedly blamed expenses to maintain their lifestyle, such as spending on clothes, hair and makeup, as well as spending on managers, publicists and lawyers. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 30 July 2026

Krebs was also The Valley star Cartwright’s publicist until the photos leaked. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 30 July 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