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

Bessette-Kennedy was a prominent publicist at Calvin Klein and an unofficial face of the brand on the New York circuit. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025

Newsweek reached out to Cardi B's publicists and Samyra via email. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

Between full-time and freelance, Curious Refuge has a staff of 14. Ward, speaking with me over Zoom alongside his publicist, was eager to dispel the idea that AI film education is a threat. —Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2025

Today the phrase is most often derogatory in tone; those who still speak unironically of social justice are generally publicists, consultants, and resistance grifters on Instagram. —Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025

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