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

Newsweek reached out to Swift’s publicist, Tree Paine, via email for comment. —Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

While the two lovebirds weren't photographed on the red carpet together (Aniston walked with her publicist), Curtis was seated inside next to his new flame. —Pamela Avila, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025

His publicist confirmed that Snider died from pneumonia on Friday (November 14) in Nashville, Tennessee. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 17 Nov. 2025

His bedraggled manager, Ron (Adam Sandler), arranges for a lifetime-achievement award to await him in Europe; his publicist Liz (Laura Dern) runs interference on the viral videos that start to leak out of a hapless Jay stumbling around train cars, looking confused in the unfamiliar environment. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 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