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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public relations

Rushing into a preliminary hearing may have been part of a public relations strategy, rather than a wise legal move, Rahmani said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

Its simple, optimistic message — polished with the help of BP’s sophisticated public relations expertise — had an irresistible allure.

From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2026

David Kudla, CEO of Mainstay Capital Management, another Barron’s-ranked advisor, says the move by Fidelity might be more about public relations than anything else.

From Barron's ● Jun. 4, 2026

The race to adapt on the battlefield has been sharpened by a parallel public relations war.

From BBC ● May 28, 2026

The policy is that it’s only supposed to be used for public irrigation—because serving a litigious, finicky public reclaimed water, no matter how clean it is, would be a public relations nightmare.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman