public affairs

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) matters of general interest or concern, especially those dealing with current social or political issues.

2. (used with a singular verb) the field of study dealing with current social or political issues.

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Etymology

Origin of public affairs

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public affairs

“These decisions are made by BEA career staff to maintain the accuracy and reliability of BEA’s estimates, without other considerations,” Connie O’Connell, the agency’s head of public affairs, says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

Professor of professional practice in international and public affairs, and founding director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 16, 2026

Leon Mar, the CBC's senior director of public affairs, has said that the broadcaster will be sending three staff members to this year's Eurovision Song Contest as observers, the CBC reported.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

She now works in the church’s public affairs department, according to her LinkedIn profile.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026

It violated the core of virtue and disinterestedness presumed essential for anyone properly equipped to oversee public affairs.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis