general public

American  

[jen-er-uhl puhb-lik] / ˈdʒɛn ər əl ˈpʌb lɪk /

Also the general public

noun

1. all or most people, especially those not part of a specified group; ordinary people as opposed to officials, experts, politicians, etc..

   The books have been warmly received by critics and by the general public.

   This protocol can be adopted by any organization wishing to improve workplace health and safety for employees, customers, and the general public.

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Etymology

Origin of general public

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

general public

The “AI for All” initiative doesn’t have a target figure for uptake, though is aimed at use by the general public, a science ministry spokeswoman said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

Gatekeepers of home listings “stand to profit significantly” by keeping listings away from the general public, Nick Aufenkamp, a Vancouver, Wash.-based real-estate agent, told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 27, 2026

As the trial of Lindsay Clancy over the murder of her three children goes into closing arguments this week, the reactions to the case reveal just how little the general public understands about postpartum psychosis.

From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026

The environmental impact of traditional balloons, which despite their advertising do not degrade, is largely unknown to the general public.

From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026

“We’re going to play Squirrel Squad Six. The new edition. According to the game box, it won’t be released to the general public until early December.”

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• association
• center
• company
• district
• nation
• neighborhood
• people
• public
• society
• state