public figure

noun

: a well-known person

Examples of public figure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Joker is a public figure, and so his fans assume that Arthur belongs to them too. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2024 Cobain is also a beloved public figure whose death by suicide was widely publicized. Scottie Andrew, CNN, 17 Aug. 2024 The singer and actor whose screen credits include The Social Network and Trolls wasn’t the first public figure to be caught driving under the influence in the upscale Hamptons area of eastern Long Island. Sean Piccoli, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2024 While Brown isn’t the only public figure to question Harris, supporters of the presidential hopeful immediately took to social media to call out the judge while pointing out his own questionable past. Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for public figure 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'public figure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Public figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20figure. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024.

Legal Definition

public figure

noun
public fig·​ure
: an individual or entity that has acquired fame or notoriety or has participated in a particular public controversy see also limited purpose public figure compare public official

Note: A public figure must prove actual malice in order to prevail in a defamation action.

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