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

While the criss-crossing lawsuits between Lively and Baldoni have grabbed most headlines, also involved are the publicists who allegedly spearheaded the smear campaigns. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025

On New Year’s Eve, Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs, including crisis publicist Melissa Nathan and Abel sued the New York Times for $250 million for libel. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025

Already suing Baldoni, Nathan and Abel, veteran publicist Stephanie Jones is now being sued back by her former VP Abel and ex-client. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025

Gibson's publicist, Alan Nierob, told the California Globe on Thursday that the actor is not running for California governor. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025

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