public opinion

American  

noun

1. the collective opinion of many people on some issue, problem, etc., especially as a guide to action, decision, or the like.

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public opinion British  

noun

1. the attitude of the public, esp as a factor in determining the actions of government

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Etymology

Origin of public opinion

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

According to our research, public opinion in Idaho is more nuanced than the right-left divide suggests.

From Salon • Jun. 28, 2026

The ascendancy of AI, however, is not having the same effect on broader public opinion.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 27, 2026

But what about public opinion now that the bombs aren’t falling?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

A former Biden Cabinet secretary, state attorney general and longtime congressman from Los Angeles, Becerra had been wallowing in the low single-digits in public opinion polls less than three months ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

During the war years, the threat of skeptical public opinion kept the First Lady from a consistent practice of Spiritualism.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock