the public
noun
: the people of a country, state, etc.
the American public
The beach is open to the public.
The general public is in favor of the law.
Members of the public called for the mayor's resignation.
Examples of the public in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The loss of the historical building drew criticism from the public and former residents, including former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama.
—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
These are the public spaces that guests mill about in—sipping a berry cooler at the long bar, enjoying a glass of malbec and a read by the stove, or playing monopoly at the communal table.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Dining establishments like sit-down restaurants, drive-thrus, gas stations and grocery stores are required to get food inspections, and governments have to release those inspections to the public.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
The appeals court denied the request, and the public defender’s client, Kyle Kjoller, was ultimately convicted on several felony firearms charges.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the public
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Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
These are the public spaces that guests mill about in—sipping a berry cooler at the long bar, enjoying a glass of malbec and a read by the stove, or playing monopoly at the communal table.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Dining establishments like sit-down restaurants, drive-thrus, gas stations and grocery stores are required to get food inspections, and governments have to release those inspections to the public.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
The appeals court denied the request, and the public defender’s client, Kyle Kjoller, was ultimately convicted on several felony firearms charges.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the public
Cite this Entry
“The public.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20public. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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