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

Knight worked with policymakers and a U.K. charity to raise awareness and help doctors and the general public recognize ectopic pregnancy symptoms.

From Salon ● Sep. 13, 2026

It now offers more than 50,000 $1 Hollywood Bowl tickets annually — some seats are open to the general public and others are given out by the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026

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

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

The balconies and the rear half of the main floor were filled with black people of the general public.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Related Words

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