public relations

noun

plural in form but usually singular in construction
often attributive
: the business of inducing the public to have understanding for and goodwill toward a person, firm, or institution
also : the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved

Examples of public relations in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2020, the New York Times identified a network of 1,300 news sites that paid freelance writers to produce biased content for Republican groups and corporate public relations firms. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 So here is a common sense approach the NFL should adapt to avoid these public relations black eyes – because the league gets a lot of coverage over national anthem performances that go awry. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 An organized cleanup and rebuilding effort accompanied by a public relations campaign intended to restore confidence in the city. — Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 The principal of CarusoPR, a public relations and marketing communications firm, Caruso chose to keep working through her treatments. — Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public relations

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public relations was in 1898

Rhymes for public relations

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Browse Nearby Words

public prosecutor
public relations
public rights
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Cite this Entry

“Public relations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20relations. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

public relations

noun
1
: the business of creating public goodwill for a person, firm, or institution
2
: the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved

More from Merriam-Webster on public relations

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public relations

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