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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public relations

Matthew Blankley has a 40-hour-per-week job in public relations.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 28, 2026

"The only thing we're doing badly at is public relations," he said in Texas last week.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Claire spent 11 years as a sportswriter and was covering the Dodgers for the Long Beach Press-Telegram in the spring of 1969 when a position opened in the team’s public relations department.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

Emily Shatz, a 26-year-old public relations associate in San Francisco, said she has spent even more—about $15,000 on seven weddings and three bachelorette parties in the same time period.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

I was answered by a man who, like myself, was in public relations.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut

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