public opinion

American  

noun

1. the collective opinion of many people on some issue, problem, etc., especially as a guide to action, decision, or the like.

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public opinion British  

noun

1. the attitude of the public, esp as a factor in determining the actions of government

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Etymology

Origin of public opinion

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public opinion

It remains to be seen how industry safeguards would play out and if they would be enough to sway public opinion.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 12, 2026

Meta and X are moving away from verification "without facing opposition from governments, their users or public opinion," said Rafael Rubio, co-director of the Complutense University of Madrid's Disinformation Observatory.

From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026

The British social attitude survey, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research, has been gauging public opinion since 1983.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

“Because it’s not right. ... It’s a diverse movement, and, actually, on the issues, in public opinion polls, women of color are more likely to support the issues than white women.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026

During the war years, the threat of skeptical public opinion kept the First Lady from a consistent practice of Spiritualism.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock