public debt

American  

noun

1. national debt.

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public debt British  

noun

1. the total financial obligations incurred by all governmental bodies of a nation

2. another name for national debt

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Etymology

Origin of public debt

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

World governments had more than $100 trillion in public debt when the Iran war began—limiting their ability to cushion the effects of energy-price shocks.

From The Wall Street Journal

They typically lend to medium-size companies that can’t readily access public debt markets.

From MarketWatch

With public debt reaching a record €3.48 trillion in the third quarter of 2025 and a budget deficit estimated at 5.4% of GDP, such largesse is likely no longer in the cards.

From The Wall Street Journal

A further worry he cited is the fact that public debt markets—especially for those focused on lower-rated borrowers—haven’t yet reflected the weakening conditions in private credit.

From Barron's

To be sure, governments can lean on large foreign reserves and low public debt to support their economies.

From The Wall Street Journal