public relations

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc.

2. (used with a singular verb) the art, technique, or profession of promoting such goodwill.

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public relations British  

noun

1. 1. the practice of creating, promoting, or maintaining goodwill and a favourable image among the public towards an institution, public body, etc

   2. the methods and techniques employed

   3. ( as modifier )

      the public relations industry

2. the condition of the relationship between an organization and the public

3. the professional staff employed to create, promote, or maintain a favourable relationship between an organization and the public

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Etymology

Origin of public relations

First recorded in 1800–10

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public relations

On Friday, Trump announced his new pick for White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, a 42-year-old conservative commentator and public relations liaison who frequently appears on Fox.

From Salon ● Oct. 9, 2026

She also launched a political consulting firm and sought work in public relations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

"The only thing we're doing badly at is public relations," he said in Texas last week.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

"There are incentives," Ren said, but they have more to do with public relations amid the growing backlash to data centers across the United States.

From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026

One week later she got a corrected version back from Joseph Kelly, the head of public relations at Hopkins.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

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