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
Vince has retreated from the public.
—
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
However, in February — a few days after the 6-year anniversary of Marquis’s disappearance — Nichols posted a press release on the Drew County Sheriff’s Office website to update the public on the case.
—Edie Peffley, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
There was some upset among the public that the method was somehow cruel, as if the mammals were bait.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
Smart glasses have also been banned in certain locations, including Philadelphia courtrooms and the public areas of some cruise ships.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the public
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Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
However, in February — a few days after the 6-year anniversary of Marquis’s disappearance — Nichols posted a press release on the Drew County Sheriff’s Office website to update the public on the case.
—Edie Peffley, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
There was some upset among the public that the method was somehow cruel, as if the mammals were bait.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
Smart glasses have also been banned in certain locations, including Philadelphia courtrooms and the public areas of some cruise ships.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 19 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 21 Apr. 2026.
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