public sector

American  

noun

1. the area of the nation's affairs under governmental rather than private control.

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public sector British  

noun

1. the part of an economy that consists of state-owned institutions, including nationalized industries and services provided by local authorities Compare private sector

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public sector Cultural  

1. That part of the economy controlled by the government. (Compare private sector.)

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Etymology

Origin of public sector

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The technology’s monetization potential is “becoming more tangible,” and IBM’s existing pedigree and entrenchment within the public sector serve as a launchpad for growth.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Office users from the public sector are among the buyers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

"Since Baroness Casey's National Audit, we have worked across government to ensure records relevant to the draft Terms of Reference are appropriately retained by public sector organisations," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

In the Philippines, some government offices have mandated that staff work from home at least one day a week, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has banned non-essential travel in the public sector.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Short-term issues include   the reduction of the public sector deficit and further increasing   the flexibility of the labor markets.

From The 2004 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency