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

And some notable awards publicists made the cut this year, including Madelyn Hammond (wife of awards pundit Pete Hammond), Josh Haroutunian (Divergent PR), Jonathan Epstein (Strategy PR), and Emily Lu Aldrich (Accolade PR). — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 24 June 2026

Federal agencies, publicists, government workers, and school teachers are among those logging in from home while America hosts the World Cup, according to Bloomberg. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 June 2026

Hockney’s life and work will be celebrated in memorial services held across the many places where the late artist lived, according to his publicist Erica Bolton. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 22 June 2026

His publicist also confirmed his death to CNN. — Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 22 June 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