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

Jones, who worked with everyone from Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, died at his home in Bel Air, California, surrounded by his children, siblings and other family members, his publicist told CNN in a statement earlier this month. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024

Jones’s publicist informed the world of his death, at the age of 91, on November 3. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, shared the sad news of his passing on Sunday night, at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, with family by his side. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Quincy Jones, a maestro of American music and a titan of the entertainment industry who influenced nearly every popular genre, produced landmark albums and earned 80 Grammy Award nominations, died Sunday, his publicist said. —Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 4 Nov. 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