public domain

noun

1

: land owned directly by the government

2

: the realm embracing property rights that belong to the community at large, are unprotected by copyright or patent, and are subject to appropriation by anyone

Examples of public domain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Popeye is the latest iconic public domain character to get a horror movie adaptation. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2024

The tales shared on the show were adaptations of public domain fairy tales, urban legends and short stories that were brought to life by an impressive young cast that included Ross Hull, Daniel DeSanto and JoAnna Garcia Swisher. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

The company is working to expand its reach into both commercial and public domains, ensuring the safety of digital interactions across industries. —Tony Bradley, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Yet, there are privacy concerns and ethical considerations for implementing any computer vision solution within a public domain. —Nick Herbert, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

public domain

noun

public do·​main

-dō-ˈmān

1

: land owned directly by the government

2

: the realm or status of property rights that belong to the community at large, are unprotected by copyright or patent, and are subject to appropriation by anyone