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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.


Etymology

Origin of public affairs

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Legal “hold” letters have been sent to representatives of GKN Aerospace, demanding the company retain its records that could be relevant to the investigation, said Kimberly Edds, director of public affairs for Spitzer’s office.

From Los Angeles Times May 25, 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

Filings under the Foreign Agents Registration Act last week revealed conservative political consultant Stone has been commissioned through consulting firm the DCI Group to provide "public affairs services" to Myanmar's information ministry.

From Barron's May 5, 2026

“It shows the importance of work and marriage,” said Sara S. McLanahan, a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton who specializes in family and poverty.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

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