1
always used before a noun
: of, relating to, or affecting all or most of the people of a country, state, etc.
public opinion
Public outrage over the scandal eventually forced him to resign.
The ads are intended to increase public awareness of the risks of smoking.
a study of public policy [=government policies that affect the whole population]
He is the director of public affairs. [=his work involves events, activities, etc., that a company does for the public]
2
always used before a noun
a
: of, relating to, paid for by, or working for a government
She was elected to a public office.
public spending/funding
public education/housing
a public corporation
a public prosecutor/officer
He was in Congress for many years but he recently retired from public life.
b
: supported by money from the government and from private contributors rather than by commercials
public television/radio
3
a
: able to be used by anyone : open or available to people in general rather than to just a few people
a public library/restroom/telephone/beach
public property
They decided on a nearby restaurant as a convenient public place to meet.
The government has allowed public access to the documents.
The city council is holding a public meeting.
b
: able to be seen or heard by many people
This will be her first public performance in five years.
a public apology
Her trial will be public.
4
: known to many people
As a celebrity, she is trying to keep her private life separate from her public life.
The scandal ruined his public image. [=the scandal caused many people to change their opinion of him from good to bad]
a public figure [=a well-known person]
The results of the study have been made public. [=have been announced, published, etc., so that they are generally known]
5
: offering shares or stock that can be traded on the open market
a public corporation/company
1
: the people of a country, state, etc.
the American public
The beach is open to the public.
(US) The public is angry with the President = (Brit) The public are angry with the President.
The general public is in favor of the law.
Members of the public called for the mayor's resignation.
2
: a group of people who have a shared interest, quality, etc.
He has once again won the approval of his public [=his supporters/fans] with his latest movie.
the reading public [=people who read a lot; people who enjoy reading]
Cite this Entry
“Public.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/public. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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