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Synonyms

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.

Etymology

Origin of general public

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The researchers hope their work encourages a more careful look at omega-3 supplementation, both in clinical settings and among the general public.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

The course is municipal, meaning it is owned by the local council and open to the general public, while private golf clubs tend to be members-only and have annual fees.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

What’s Next: Out of 100 institutional investors surveyed by research firm Just Capital, just 10% expected large-scale job losses, compared to 30% of the general public.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Meanwhile, rival robotaxi operator Waymo on Wednesday announced it would offer autonomous rides to the general public in Miami and Orlando, Fla., and allow limited highway travel to Miami.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The general public was invited to the evening show, and the auditorium was packed.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.