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

Impressive agencies of many stripes noticed: advertising, branding, public affairs, strategic comms.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

"The 1949 act didn't actually open up any land," says Kate Conto, policy and public affairs manager at the Ramblers, formerly known as the Ramblers' Association.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

“ShiftKey unequivocally does not use any data broker services or engage in any surveillance-wage setting,” said Regan Parker, the company’s chief legal and public affairs officer.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Geological Survey, a Park Service forester and a public affairs officer.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

“It shows the importance of work and marriage,” said Sara S. McLanahan, a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton who specializes in family and poverty.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times