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

Mr. McGinty earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and journalism from Utica College of Syracuse University.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

You could move to consulting, corporate training, human resources, educational technology and publishing, public relations or content development.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

Hura, 24, wanted to be a diplomat and was studying public relations and journalism before universities were closed to women.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Silverblatt moved to Los Angeles after college in the mid-1970s and worked in Hollywood in public relations and script development.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

There was no reason for him to remember any of these encounters, and he didn’t: When my book came out, and became a public relations nuisance to him, he’d told reporters we’d never met.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis