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

What started as workplace tensions quickly snowballed into a public relations war, capturing the attention of millions online. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

Slaughter referred the Tribune to HACC’s outside public relations firm for comment. —Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. —Jimi Gibson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Broward’s municipalities owe their names to a number of sources — other cities, public relations men, local flora and fauna, pioneer settlers themselves. —Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

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