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

Although Carney is backed by Canadian public opinion, his country remains reliant on its neighbor.

From Barron's ● 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

Microsoft’s Smith said there is a limit to how much tech companies can shift public opinion through messaging efforts that lack deeper substance.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

President Buchanan, utterly failing to understand his country’s deep divisions, tried to subdue public opinion by labeling slavery’s expansion “a matter of but little practical importance.”

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock