public policy

American  

[puhb-lik pol-uh-see] / ˈpʌb lɪk ˈpɒl ə si /

noun

1. 1. the body of laws and other measures that affect the general public.

      These officeholders are creating public policy on important issues including affordable housing and the environment.

   2. the underlying principles, values, or objectives that inform these laws and other measures: In a secular state, no religion can become the basis of public policy.

      The Institute participates in shaping public debate and public policy through inquiry and dialogue.

      In a secular state, no religion can become the basis of public policy.

2. Law. the principle that injury to the public good or public order constitutes a basis for declaring an act or transaction illegal or invalid.

   The principle of public policy requires that we judge the tendency of the contract at the time when it was entered into.

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Etymology

Origin of public policy

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public policy

Bhadelia, who oversees Americas public policy at Cohere, told MarketWatch that there remains “fundamental scientific disagreement in that space.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 19, 2026

"People may revert to their prior behavioural patterns because the incentive payments are insufficient when the enthusiasm has waned," said Ferraro, an expert in human behaviour and public policy.

From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026

It’s typically done so without making waves, led by people well-versed in science and public policy.

From Salon ● Sep. 16, 2026

After earning a dual master’s degree in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School and in business from M.I.T.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

At Harvard, I could study law while pursuing a graduate degree in public policy at the Kennedy School of Government, which appealed to me.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson