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

The onetime publicist put on her hosting hat for a party at Big Bang Boutique at Faena Miami Beach Hotel Thursday to help get some of her closest friends glammed up before Miami Swim Week. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026

Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department reportedly investigated the music publicist's claims before submitting the case to the district attorney for possible criminal charges. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 2 June 2026

Also among those being honored are performers John Herrera and Allan Gruet, producer Robert Fox, publicist David Gersten and writer Jeffrey Lane. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 June 2026

The allegations were made by publicist and record producer Jonathan Hay. —Andrew Blankstein, NBC news, 2 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