public relations

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc.

2. (used with a singular verb) the art, technique, or profession of promoting such goodwill.

---

public relations British  

noun

1. 1. the practice of creating, promoting, or maintaining goodwill and a favourable image among the public towards an institution, public body, etc

   2. the methods and techniques employed

   3. ( as modifier )

      the public relations industry

2. the condition of the relationship between an organization and the public

3. the professional staff employed to create, promote, or maintain a favourable relationship between an organization and the public

---

Etymology

Origin of public relations

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

David Kudla, CEO of Mainstay Capital Management, another Barron’s-ranked advisor, says the move by Fidelity might be more about public relations than anything else.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

"The Vietnamese have been less willing to be at the forefront of the public relations battle over their disagreements with China," says Greg Poling, who runs the AMTI.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Baron’s mutual-fund division, and its Wall Street public relations firm Prosek Partners, refuses to explain, or even discuss, how this number is reached.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

She cross-references the many striking photos taken during the late September publicity shoot commissioned by the project’s director of public relations, Merle Crowell.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

I could feel my heart rate starting to slow, and then it raced again as I heard him ask me, “You work in public relations, is that correct? Huntingdon Whitely?”

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins