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

Tickets for the general public for the LA28 Olympic Games are on sale from April 9 to 19.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

In February, de Rothschild wrote to bank clients to say she only discovered the reality and extent of Epstein’s crimes at the same time as the general public.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

"Looking at the highest risk population, those with existing cardiovascular disease, these protective effects might be even greater than among the general public."

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland said the development had "drastically weakened essential safeguards" and the bill "now poses unacceptable risks to the general public and the psychiatric workforce."

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

But it is just as important to write books for the general public, for people of all ages and in all countries.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall

Related Words

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