public sector

American  

noun

1. the area of the nation's affairs under governmental rather than private control.

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public sector British  

noun

1. the part of an economy that consists of state-owned institutions, including nationalized industries and services provided by local authorities Compare private sector

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public sector Cultural  

1. That part of the economy controlled by the government. (Compare private sector.)

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Etymology

Origin of public sector

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

He said his government is revamping how the public sector operates and how major projects are approved, while also pursuing a trade-diversification strategy aimed at relying less on exports to the U.S. to fuel growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

China’s public sector is not just talking about humanoid robots; it is spending money to buy them or fund deployments, helping startups get early revenue and proving grounds.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

This latest report into HS2, expected to be published this week, is authored by former National Security Adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove and has considered the implications for the civil service and public sector.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

Sweden didn’t always have a big public sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Ecuador   Ecuador is substantially dependent on its petroleum   resources, which have accounted for more than half of the country's   export earnings and one-fourth of public sector revenues in recent   years.

From The 2008 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency