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

Orange-industry groups hired medical professionals as spokespeople in public relations, and kicked off an emergency ad campaign addressing what they branded “juice confusion.”

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Three quarters of public relations pros surveyed by Muck Rack External link say they use AI on the job, with editing and writing among the most frequent uses and greatest timesavers.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Where is the public relations czar at UConn giving Auriemma the easiest advice?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Baldoni's legal team have said the allegations against him are "categorically false" and argued they hired a crisis public relations manager because Lively had threatened to derail the film unless her demands were met.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

This created a public relations embarrassment of sorts—and a legal hurdle.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis