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

• ballyhoo
• hype
• puffery

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

Rights of publicity laws vary state-by-state, so the strength of a case involving faceswap fakes depends on where the creator lives. —Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 7 June 2024

In addition to defamation, Harvey is suing for negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, violations of right of publicity and more, per TMZ. —Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024

Friday’s hearing was in Santa Clara County because Davis’ original trial was moved to the South Bay due to intense publicity around the case. —Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 31 May 2024

However, litigating rights of publicity in cases involving AI won’t be simple. —Jabari M. Evans, The Conversation, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing publicity

• publicity stunt

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