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

Parton, the music icon, actress and philanthropist, died Tuesday at 80 years old after a brief battle with cancer, her publicist said. — Tori Mason, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

The group have publicly endorsed the letter on behalf of The Brigade, a group of over a thousand Jewish filmmakers, executives, playwrights, agents, publicists and allies in the media, music and entertainment industries. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Her publicist, however, told USA TODAY that her absence from that ceremony was not health-related and had been caused by a scheduling conflict disclosed to the Academy months earlier. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Parton’s publicists never asked for questions in advance or said any topics were off limits — because Parton knew how to handle herself, and though petite, was hardly delicate. — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 25 Aug. 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