public sector

American  

noun

1. the area of the nation's affairs under governmental rather than private control.

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public sector British  

noun

1. the part of an economy that consists of state-owned institutions, including nationalized industries and services provided by local authorities Compare private sector

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public sector Cultural  

1. That part of the economy controlled by the government. (Compare private sector.)

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Etymology

Origin of public sector

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The permanent secretary has said the minister is bringing a paper to the executive about ways in which the public sector estate could be used, something Gildernew said he would support.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Nine of 16 components tracked recorded declines, led by construction and the public sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“But if you’re gonna succeed in getting things done in the public sector, you gotta be better than that! That’s the challenge!”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

The SFC says Scotland's public sector workforce is "relatively larger and better paid than in the rest of the UK", with median pay £1,500 higher than in other parts of the country.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation to the volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity.

From The 2008 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency