publicity

noun pub·lic·i·ty \ (ˌ)pə-ˈbli-sə-tē , -ˈbli-stē \

Updated on: 16 May 2018

Definition of publicity

1 : the quality or state of being public

2 a : an act or device designed to attract public interest; specifically : information with news value issued as a means of gaining public attention or support

b : the dissemination of information or promotional material

c : paid advertising

d : public attention or acclaim

See publicity defined for English-language learners

See publicity defined for kids

Examples of publicity in a Sentence

His public appearances are good publicity for the new movie.
An arrest for drunk driving is bad publicity for any celebrity.
The film has gotten some good publicity.
She has received a lot of publicity for her latest novel.
The studio spent a lot of money on publicity for the movie.

Recent Examples of publicity from the Web

This is particularly true if the behavior triggered disparaging media publicity for the name and reputation of the team.

— michael mccann, SI.com, "Analyzing the Legal Fallout of Matt Patricia’s Sexual Assault Indictment," 10 May 2018
Ivana and Rubicondi weren’t the only unexpected celebs to appear on the program that night — Deadpool 2 actors Ryan Reynolds and Josh Brolin also danced together to drum up publicity for their new film.

— lisa ryan, The Cut, "Ivana Is the Latest Trump Ex-Wife to Appear on Italian Dancing With the Stars," 7 May 2018
There are, no doubt, a handful of possible reasons that drove this shift; Marvel is still riding the wave of deservedly good publicity for the wildly successful Black Panther, for one.

— josh spiegel, The Hollywood Reporter, "What 'Avengers' Surprise Says About Marvel," 2 Mar. 2018
While handling publicity for Arista in the mid-'80s, Reynolds created the initial PR/marketing plan that helped launch Whitney Houston’s career.

— gail mitchell, Billboard, "Publicity Veteran Kenneth Reynolds Dies," 25 Apr. 2018
Comey is doing publicity for his new memoir, A Higher Loyalty, which includes explosive details about the run-up to his firing as FBI director by Trump.

— emily stewart, Vox, "Trump tweets he’s not worried about Michael Cohen flipping," 21 Apr. 2018
Error or not, the issue created more bad publicity for the sheriff.

— michael smolens, sandiegouniontribune.com, "It's one thing after another for Sheriff Gore," 18 Apr. 2018
New Venture allows students planning their own businesses to win start-up capital, receiving mentoring and gaining publicity for their ventures.

— william thornton, AL.com, "Regions New Venture Challenge for student startups happening Friday," 16 Apr. 2018
Led by Steve Doctrow and his integrated marketing team, the PR firm will provide publicity and strategic counsel for initiatives and event including the BAFTA Student Film Awards, the BAFTA Tea Party and the British Academy Britannia Awards.

— rebecca sun, The Hollywood Reporter, "Rep Sheet Roundup: WME Hires Yasmine Pearl," 16 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'publicity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of publicity

1609

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

publicity Synonyms

Synonyms

ballyhoo, hype;

advertising, marketing, propaganda;

pronouncement, publication, release;

broadcast, bulletin, dispatch, report, story;

testimonial, write-up;

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

PUBLICITY Defined for English Language Learners

publicity

noun

Definition of publicity for English Language Learners

: something that attracts the attention of the public
: attention that is given to someone or something by newspapers, magazines, television news programs, etc.
: the activity or business of getting people to give attention to someone or something