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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.


Etymology

Origin of public affairs

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Around 350 members of Japan's Self-Defense Forces arrived last week in Borneo's hard-hit West Kalimantan province, with three helicopters on hand to assist with firefighting efforts, the mission's public affairs officer Takeshi Koga told AFP.

From Barron's Sep. 17, 2026

In my work as a professor of politics and public affairs, I pay close attention to the stories Americans tell about their past and the ways those stories shape civic identity in the present.

From Salon Sep. 8, 2026

John Sutter, head of U.S. public affairs at data-center builder Nebius, echoed this sentiment.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 4, 2026

“To an algorithm, a gun barrel and a piece of pipe are the same grooved cylinder,” Jakub Kmošek, head of public affairs at Prusa, said in a statement to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 19, 2026

He finally had the chance to host his own public affairs show.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

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