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

In new filings, Jones argues that defendant Melissa Nathan, another prominent entertainment industry publicist, committed perjury and hid evidence about her role in creating the sites, including one which targeted Jones. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026

In the minutes before it was supposed to kick off, the maître d’ of the Toronto hotel restaurant where this interview was initially supposed to take place informed the film’s publicist there would be a $75 fee per person, just to sit down. — Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026

Fertitta, Remm, and Remm’s publicist join me for a phone call. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

Peters' publicist did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 22 Sep. 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