public figure

American  

[puhb-lik fig-yer] / ˈpʌb lɪk ˈfɪg jər /

noun

• public figures
  plural

1. a person who is widely known; celebrity.

   The journalist talked about the often troubled relationship between public figures and the news media.

   Famous athletes, actors, and other public figures have championed the issue.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• public figures
  plural

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public figure

"I think for a public figure that puts Jews' safety at great risk," he added, describing himself as socially moderate and religiously conservative in his expansive home nestled among vibrant fall foliage.

From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026

You have to be responsible as a public figure.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

In the closing moments of our interview, Earl Spencer revealed himself not to be a public figure trying to settle old scores or correct myths about his incredibly famous sister.

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026

The last 20 years, Marx said, have been one big “lowest-common-denominator fight for attention,” meaning it was easier than ever to remain a public figure and make money off the resulting eyeballs.

From Salon ● Aug. 29, 2026

After checking with his attorney, he discovered that because he was a public figure, the producers—Paramount Pictures—had the right to use his name.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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Related Words

• someone
• whoever

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