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

Lawyers for MacInnes have accused Wilson of hiring Melissa Nathan, the American publicist of The Agency Group, to launch websites that smeared Ghost. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026

In cutting the home entertainment’s publicists, physical media could be an even lower priority going forward than it’s been in recent years. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026

Reynolds, the couple’s longtime publicist Leslie Sloane and The New York Times were named as defendants alongside Lively in Baldoni’s suit. —Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026

Emails seeking comment from an attorney and a publicist who have previously worked with D4vd were not immediately returned. —Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 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