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

See Examples For:

public relations

The 28-year-old, who works in public relations, and her husband, who works as a construction project manager at a real-estate company, paid $629,000 for the three-bedroom home.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026

Its simple, optimistic message — polished with the help of BP’s sophisticated public relations expertise — had an irresistible allure.

From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2026

You will not see Daleks running a seaside hotel, or yelling “exterminate” unless termites have gotten into the foundation; Cybermen will not be going into public relations.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

Grutman popped in and out of the space the entire time we were there, rather than letting an assistant and public relations executive oversee the video crew rearranging furniture in his living room.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 7, 2026

Mrs. Treski knew about these things because she was a public relations consultant.

From "The Lemonade War" by Jacqueline Davies