publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpə-blə-sist 

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

Cher evacuated from her Malibu home when ordered and is staying at a hotel, her publicist, Liz Rosenberg, said late Tuesday. —Jae C. Hong, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024

Grammy Award-winning singer Cher also had to leave her Malibu home for safety and is staying at a hotel, her publicist told the AP. —Hanna Park, Robert Shackelford and Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024

The promo follows Bey’s publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, sharing the unfortunate news that there is currently no Cowboy Carter tour on the docket for the Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century. —Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 11 Dec. 2024

After closing with appreciation for her publicists and the film’s distributor, Roadside Attractions, the actress turned her attention to all those out there still trying to make their dreams come true. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpəb-lə-səst 

1

a

: an expert in international law

b

: an expert on public affairs

2

: press agent