public affairs

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) matters of general interest or concern, especially those dealing with current social or political issues.

2. (used with a singular verb) the field of study dealing with current social or political issues.

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Etymology

Origin of public affairs

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

A mere 12% of Americans actively favor the sundial shuffle, 47% are opposed and 40% are neutral, according to a 2025 poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From Los Angeles Times

Guest: Kian Tajbakhsh, visiting assistant professor at New York University, lecturer at Columbia University, who works on the Committee on Global Thought and in the School of International and Public Affairs.

From Slate

“We’re at this pivotal moment where we could either continue to make progress or go backwards,” said Rachel Vogelstein, a professor and director of the Institute of Global Politics Women’s Initiative at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.

From The Wall Street Journal

No senior administration officials have appeared on the flagship public affairs programs that, for all their flaws, have long served as a forum for democratic accountability.

From Salon

"All eyes are on Texas," said Dan Scandling, of public affairs consultancy APCO, who spent a quarter century on Capitol Hill as chief of staff and communications director for Republican lawmakers.

From Barron's