public figure

noun

: a well-known person

Examples of public figure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the document is largely devoted to her argument that Watson is clearly a public figure. Thomas Gounley, The Denver Post, 2 Nov. 2024 One public figure to have faced backlash from the world No. 2 is Elon Musk, who has repeatedly dismissed the game as too simple. Jamie Barton, CNN, 20 Oct. 2024 Billy was in high school when his dad started becoming a bonafide public figure. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Formerly a very public figure, Sinwar had not been seen since the October 2023 attacks, likely surviving the last year of Israel’s siege of Gaza by bunkering down in a vast network of underground tunnels. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for public figure 

Dictionary Entries Near public figure

Cite this Entry

“Public figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20figure. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

public figure

noun
public fig·​ure
: an individual or entity that has acquired fame or notoriety or has participated in a particular public controversy see also limited purpose public figure compare public official

Note: A public figure must prove actual malice in order to prevail in a defamation action.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!