public affairs

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) matters of general interest or concern, especially those dealing with current social or political issues.

2. (used with a singular verb) the field of study dealing with current social or political issues.

---

Etymology

Origin of public affairs

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public affairs

Around 350 members of Japan's Self-Defense Forces arrived last week in Borneo's hard-hit West Kalimantan province, with three helicopters on hand to assist with firefighting efforts, the mission's public affairs officer Takeshi Koga told AFP.

From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026

In my work as a professor of politics and public affairs, I pay close attention to the stories Americans tell about their past and the ways those stories shape civic identity in the present.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

As a former assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, McLaughlin was known for ferociously defending the Trump administration's immigration policies on US airwaves.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

“These decisions are made by BEA career staff to maintain the accuracy and reliability of BEA’s estimates, without other considerations,” Connie O’Connell, the agency’s head of public affairs, says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

He finally had the chance to host his own public affairs show.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore