publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpə-blə-sist How to pronounce publicist (audio)
1
a
: an expert in international law
b
: an expert or commentator on public affairs
2
: one that publicizes
specifically : press agent

Examples of publicist 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.
Unable to function in the real world, the kid then surrounds himself with publicists, lawyers and all sorts of professional help to smooth the transition. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 July 2026 Also spotted leaving her Manhattan hotel was Swift’s longtime publicist Tree Paine. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce officially tied the knot in New York after three years of dating, according to a statement from Swift's publicist. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 July 2026 Baldoni accused Lively, her husband, Ryan Reynolds, the couple's publicist, Leslie Sloane, and others of extortion and defamation, among other claims. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for publicist

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicista, probably from Latin pūblicum in jūs pūblicum "public law" (neuter of pūblicus public entry 1) + -ista -ist entry 1

Note: The Latin word was used in reference to expertise in public law within the Holy Roman Empire, a usage that apparently was extended to international law (traditionally jūs gentium "law of nations"). Earlier adaptations in German (Publicist, now Publizist) and French (publiciste) could be the direct source of the English word. Senses 1b and 2 may be from public(ize) + -ist entry 1.

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of publicist was in 1792

Browse Nearby Words

publicise
publicist
publicity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Publicist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/publicist. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

publicist

noun
pub·​li·​cist ˈpəb-lə-səst How to pronounce publicist (audio)
1
a
: an expert in international law
b
: an expert on public affairs
2
: press agent

More from Merriam-Webster on publicist

Nglish: Translation of publicist for Spanish Speakers

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