publicity

noun

pub·​lic·​i·​ty (ˌ)pə-ˈbli-sə-tē 

-ˈbli-stē

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

Synonyms of publicity

• hype
• advertising
• advertisement

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 on the Web

With a little effort and some decent publicity, Widow’s Bay could be the next Bar Harbor or Martha’s Vineyard! — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The promotion and publicity that larger news organizations can bring to bear is just one consideration, as is an ability to put new content directly in front of a large audience that has already been cultivated. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Due to his fame, the military initially tried to keep Stewart, who was a licensed commercial pilot, stateside as a flight instructor and used him for publicity and March of Dimes promotional tours. — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

The agency will represent Chi across UK commercial projects, brand partnerships and personal publicity. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicitāt-, pūblicitās, from Latin pūblicus public entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing publicity

• publicity stunt

Rhymes for publicity

• basicity
• chronicity
• complicity
• cyclicity
• duplicity
• ethnicity
• facticity
• felicity
• helicity
• plasticity
• rusticity
• simplicity

Kids Definition

publicity

noun

pub·​lic·​i·​ty (ˌ)pə-ˈblis-ət-ē 

1

: the condition of being public or publicly known

2

: an act or device designed to attract public interest

especially : information with a news value designed to further the interests of a place, person, or cause

3

a

: an action that gains public attention

b

: the attention so gained