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

In January, Baldoni responded with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane and Sloan’s PR firm alleging several claims, including civil extortion and defamation. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025

Lively’s lawyers already have voluminous text messages from the phone of Jennifer Abel, one of Baldoni’s publicists. —William Earl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025

Newsweek reached out to Coldplay's agents, publicists and managers for comment. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025

However, in the wake of his legal woes, the actor was not only dropped by his talent manager and publicist but parted ways with several of those high-profile projects, including the forthcoming Dennis Rodman biopic 48 Hours in Vegas and all future MCU films. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 12 Feb. 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